1902 Value

[chakup]

Working on getting some better pics of the gun but seller states is all original ~90% finish. 4-digit sn 73xx

[Rob Greer]

It is hard to tell from that picture... maybe it is just the lighting, but the finish is much darker than I would expect to find on a 4 digit 1902. Also, it is early enough that there should be some fire blued parts on it (trigger, srews, pins, and slide lock in particular). Proceed with great caution...

[rhmc24]

Agreed on questionable finish. 1902s all had the Colt mirror finish charcoal blue, more blue-black in color with trigger heat blue and hammer color cased. Same finish on some other Colts up to around WW One. Picture looks like a satin re-blue. Original magazines have 1884 date on the bottom (yes 1884). If refinished think $1000-1200. If actually original and 90%+, easily twice that. A good way to check 1902 types is to look around the firing pin where the hammer strikes. An impression of where the hammer falls indicates a lot of shooting (unless removed). Four digit S/N on 1902 Sporting means little to value, most of them had four digit serials (only about 6000) Sportings made. Hope this helps.

[chakup]

That's why I asked for better pics. Zooming in you can see the top grip screw is fire blued looks like- which has me wondering if a refinish or just a very poor picture. I'll update once I have some better pictures available.

[Oyeboten]

Definitely a later re-Blue, and, color and satin-like finish and so on, are nothing like what the Original Blue would be, even if thin or worn.


My guess, if in good condition otherwise, and if listed on Gunbroker for starting bid of $700.00, it may or may not get a bid...if it has a correct and good condition Magazine, then the Magazine is worth two or more, so that would leave the Gun itself at around 'five' if listed for $700.00 as-is...so, might fly then for that.

[twaits]

Just the kind of 1902 I would be looking for if the price was right. Such a great looking gun. I too think this is a refinish. Better pictures are definitely needed.

[tedm]

I agree that it's probably a refinish. Round hammer and front plunged milled serrations are most common, but at 6900 manufactured I would value it at $1000. If original $2000-2500. Would like to see all markings and mag.

Look at Cabella's in Maine at Colt 1905 45 for about $4000. Original finish???

Happy New Year, Ted

[Armyphotog]

I would think there is no question that at some time it was refinished, albeit from the photos, a nice job.

[chakup]

Still working on pics or a meet-up since he's local to me. he still swears it's all original..... but we'll see.

[Rob Greer]

Here is a picture of my 1900's... the lighting is not very consistent, but this picture should give you an idea of what the finish should look like. The top pistol is actually not as dark as it shows here.