[kenhwind]

We have this Colt pre-War square butt Detective Special in .38 Special and would like some input on assessing the value. Bore and chambers pretty good with some minor rust blemishes. Outside also pretty good, with a few pits and blemishes, but overall a nice original Colt IMO.
Seriial number: 406175

 

[Mike Faires]

Serial number is essential in establishing value. the square butt configuration means either pre 1934 or military contract during WWII. Both are priced differently based on other issues.

 

[kenhwind]

Serial number is essential in establishing value. the square butt configuration means either pre 1934 or military contract during WWII. Both are priced differently based on other issues.

You are correct sir, I will edit my post.

 

[Malysh]

Ken, the gun dates to 1932. It's a commercial square butt DS from the last two years of standard production square butt DSs.
Given the amount of pitting and rust on the exterior surfaces, and being a commercial DS, this would be about a $550 gun to me. If I spent $600 on it I would feel I could have done better, or found another one for maybe $100 more in better condition. These are just my personal thresholds for this gun, not necessarily what other members would pay.

 

[Mike Faires]

Ken, the gun dates to 1932. It's a commercial square butt DS from the last two years of standard production square butt DSs.
Given the amount of pitting and rust on the exterior surfaces, and being a commercial DS, this would be about a $550 gun to me. If I spent $600 on it I would feel I could have done better, or found another one for maybe $100 more in better condition. These are just my personal thresholds for this gun, not necessarily what other members would pay.

I agree however; in this part of the world probably $450 tops in that condition, a military gun would fetch about $100 more.