Colt 1903 Pocket Pistol 38 Rimless Smokeless Semi Automatic Pistol

[UltraSell.net]

I have an old Colt .38 caliber smokeless rimless semi automatic with the clip. According to the serial #, (460879) the gun was manufactured in 1927.

I have searched up and down and I see that most people say this gun is worth between $250 & $500. Yet, I see a number of sellers on GunsAmerica and GunBroker selling them for between $1200 and $3500. The gun they are selling is identical to the one I have. When I questioned some of the sellers I got this response " The time period of this Colt according to Blue Book of Gun Values list it much higher than I have it listed. I also had a reputable Colt collector look it over and help with the pricing." I checked his serial number and his gun was actually made a 2 years after mine.

Can anyone tell me why some of these guns are worth so much and others worth so little?

Thank you for your time.

Joe Gold
UltraSell.net

[larryb21556]

What you are seeing on GunsAmerica and GunBroker are "asking" prices. That being said condition is everything in establishing price. Your pistol appears to have been pretty well used. I think that a high end would be about $500 for someone who really wanted it. .32's are not the hot item these days. What it comes down to in the end is what someone is willing to give you for it.

The photo below is of a .32 with a lot more original finish than yours and if I was willing to sell it I doubt that I could reasonably expect to get $1000. for it.

[Buckspen]

In the world of gun collecting, condition is everything. Those last few points between 95% and 100% can double or triple the value of an old and collectible firearm. Also, having the truly original box and papers (particularly for pre-WWII guns) can add hunderds and sometime thousands of dollars to the value.

Also, your description states that the gun is a .38 Rimless; however the photo you have posted appears to be a M1903 .32 caliber pistol. The caliber marking is hard to read, but appears to be .32 and the serial number fits in the 1903 .32 auto hammerless range.

There is a big difference in todays prices of the 1908 .380 ACP pistol and the 1903 .32 ACP pistol.

- - Buckspen

[M2HB]

I paid $900 for this a few years ago and felt lucky to get it.

[hognfrog]

They are neat little guns and you can find them in really outstanding condition if you wait and look long enough. This one was purchased last September off of an auction site and I paid less than $450 for it.

[tomob1]

I know I over paid for this one, but I had to have it!
(I gave $1000 for it)

[twaits]

This one is nickel. I paid $350 for it a couple years back. The engraving probably detracts from the value but I think it's kind of cool. This gun was made in 1917.

[twaits]

My friend paid $350 for this one. Made in 1911. The gunshop owner thought it was a reblue. If it is it was done exceptionally well and still well
worth $350. Every part of the gun is almost like new inside and out.

[paul45]

Selling this on your auction site and don't know what the starting bid should be?