approx value question for satin nickel commander 38 super

[y2kdon]

I was offered an opportunity a few minutes ago to buy a satin nickel commander in 38 super.
It was sent back to Colt in 2004 to be refinished. the colt paperwork is with it.
It has never been fired since the refinish and he claims that the slide has only been pulled back once to look inside. It has been sitting in his safe since then. serial # 70SC455XX

No box. Just the paperwork from the Colt refinish. nothing else. If he had not told me that it had been refinished, I could not have known. All lettering crisp and sharp. Looks like brand new.

What is approximate value? Isnt the 38 super kinda rare?
thanks

[skipsan]

A satin nickel CC inn.45 acp in the condition described would/could go for $800. The satin nickel finish is the negative as it's so delicate. I know this from personal experience. At least the ammo is readily available for the .45acp.The .38S is a wild card and would only appeal, in my view, to someone who reloaded and intended to shoot it. Personally, it wouldn't appeal to me at all, let alone command a premium. Now a 9mm CC would be another matter.

[dickttx]

One like you describe just sold on GB for $875.

[ralph7]

i agree w/the price assessment on the satin commander.
this is a great thread to show differences of opinion as to caliber choice.
i happen to like the 38 super a great deal, even though the bulk of my automatics are in .45. i think a colt automatic in 38 super will bring a bit more money than a .45, from what i have seen.

[VAR99]

RE, price difference, I'm with Ralph7; down here (NE Florida) a Colt Super seems to bring $100-200 more than its equivalent in .45.
Pre-war the difference is significantly higher.

Vince

[Waldo Pepper]

Prior to WWII most Colts on the street used by some gangsters, cops and regular folks were 38S because ammo was cheaper and easier to find then 45ACP, not to mention that it would defeat the body armour of that period that both cops and gangsters often used. The 357 Sig is basically 38 Super using a necked down 40 cal case instead and has about the same balistic profile. After WWII the surplus 45acp ammo was so cheap it killed the 38 Super in 5 years or so, and by mid 50's you couldn't find the gun or ammo in most gun shops. As for as I'm concerned the two best rounds in a 1911 are 38 Super and 10mm, 38S is easy to control, very flat tregectory with better accuracy, the 10mm has all that plus more knetic energy at 100 yards then 45acp has at the muzzle and actually easier to shoot then 45acp.

[y2kdon]

I appreciate all the responses. They were very helpful.

[kenhwind]

The 38 Super is hardly a "wild card" IMO and from what I've seen at the gun shows in Jacksonville, FL that 38 Super Commander might be selling for $1,000.

[y2kdon]

He was asking $1200 for it, which I thought was too much, but wasnt sure. I wasnt looking for a shooter, I was looking for a safe queen. This one was very nice but I decided to pass. Really appreciate the help.

[Waldo Pepper]

He was asking $1200 for it, which I thought was too much, but wasnt sure. I wasnt looking for a shooter, I was looking for a safe queen. This one was very nice but I decided to pass. Really appreciate the help.

WOW!!! You can order a new one for less, I've seen two new 38 Super 5" sell NIB just under $900 so let that be your guide. You can have your dealer order one from Colt Custom Shop nicely tricked out for $1200 range.