Colt 1903 Ser # 18xx

[USMC Snakedriver]

Today I was asked if I wanted to buy a Colt 1903 in 38 ACP. 6 inch, black grips. All original. Complete. It's about 50 to 60%. It was owned by a family that can trace it to the early part of the last century. Opinions? I know, photos, but not possible at this time.

[DCWilson]

That sounds like it would be a Model of 1900, but made in 1902 with that serial number. I would be a buyer on historical grounds unless the offer price is ridiculous. What are they asking?

Somebody straighten me out if I am off base here. I am not expert in the earliest semi-autos.

[USMC Snakedriver]

The asking price was $3,200. The books had it about the same, but the low serial number might be significant?!

[DCWilson]

For this model, basically all serial numbers are low. I think there were only 4000 or so of them made. I have no idea if $3200 is a reasonable price. I see a recent Blue Book is in that vicinity, but my distrust of the Blue Book is so complete that I have no idea whether that is a reaistic price for this model.

There might be some value in having a century-long chain of ownership for the gun, but collectors will differ on how much value such knowledge would add. I wish somebody else would speak up. I'd like to learn more about this model too.

[Coltautos]

Today I was asked if I wanted to buy a Colt 1903 in 38 ACP. 6 inch, black grips. All original. Complete. It's about 50 to 60%. It was owned by a family that can trace it to the early part of the last century. Opinions? I know, photos, but not possible at this time.

Assuming the caliber is being described correctly, a .38 ACP with a serial number of 18xx would make it a Colt Model 1900. Black grips (again, making an assumption that they are original black hard rubber Colt stocks) would typically be too early for a Model 1900 with this serial number.

Bottom line is you will need more info to determine if the asking price is fair:

- Confirm the caliber and barrel length.
- Get a description of the markings on the slide.
- Confirm the type of stocks.
- Is the gun original or has it been refinished? (hard to say if they've not provided pictured) Ask for the markings on the upper flats of the trigger guard.
- If a Model 1900, does it have a sight safety or has it been altered? (ask if there's one pin in the upper rear part of the slide or two?)
- What is the finish of the magazine and how is the base marked? If a 1900, it should have a nickel mag with a SEPT 9. 1884 patent date.

[tedm]

Sam has given some great insight and questions for the seller. However, make sure that the serial doesn't actually have another digit, 18,XXX, and a shorter barrel in which case it might be a 1903 Pocket Hammer 38acp and worth considerably less. If it is a 1900 with the sight safety then $3200 seems reasonable. If the sight safety has been altered, I believe it is overpriced for my thin wallet. Just picked up a NIB Challenger as well as 2 other guns at the local gun show this weekend - so my wallet is significantly thinner.

Ted

[tedm]

Another thought, make sure it is not a Model M 1908 380 (not 38acp) which looks ike the 1903 hammerless.

[USMC Snakedriver]

I confirmed the pistol is 38 ACP. The person who now has possession fired it. After a little research, this may turn out to be a 1902 model. The serial is indeed 18XX. I believe it does have a safety sight. I'll try to get more info when the owner comes back to town in a week or so. Thanks for the help!

[tedm]

With the 18xx and sight safety it is definitely a Model 1900 38acp. Quite rare. Only 4274 total made. Pistols lower than serial 2400 all had the sight safety originally, but many were later altered. Get Doug Sheldon's book "A Collector's Guide To Colt's .38 Automatic Pistols". It lists #1803,1813,1862,1863,1876. One had British proofs and one had an experimental safety. I also have some listed in my data base and own about 26 other 1900's. If you can put up a picture as I am always looking to add to my data base. If you are a Colt Collector's Assoc member and get the RAMPANT COLT magazine, look in future editions for my submitted article on Colt 1900's in John Browning's workshop.
Ted

[USMC Snakedriver]

With the 18xx and sight safety it is definitely a Model 1900 38acp. Quite rare. Only 4274 total made. Pistols lower than serial 2400 all had the sight safety originally, but many were later altered. Get Doug Sheldon's book "A Collector's Guide To Colt's .38 Automatic Pistols". It lists #1803,1813,1862,1863,1876. One had British proofs and one had an experimental safety. I also have some listed in my data base and own about 26 other 1900's. If you can put up a picture as I am always looking to add to my data base. If you are a Colt Collector's Assoc member and get the RAMPANT COLT magazine, look in future editions for my submitted article on Colt 1900's in John Browning's workshop.
Ted

Thanks for the info, Ted. I'll post pictures when able. Would you have a ballpark price if this is correctly presented?