[Kanza]

I'm new to the site.
Helping my elderly friend with his SAA.
The revolver was purchased in 1961. He hasn't "fixed" or improved anything.
The revolver is as it was purchased.
Having read up on old SSA's here's what I know:
Serial number- 3XXX with A marked by serial number by trigger guard.
7 1/2" barrel.
US marked on frame.
Questions/issues:
I can't see the cartouche on the wood. Is it replaced wood?
How would you rate the condition/value "if" everything is original?
Is it important that he send it to Kopec? He is apprehensive about shipping.
Any and all help is appreciated.
Kris

 

[DJC]

Not offering any opinion on condition as I am hardly qualified but it surely is a nice looking old Colt.

 

[hwjhfs]

You may want to follow the thread "4 digit U.S. Colt" also on this page.

 

[mrcvs]

Can you post more detailed photographs? Especially of the "U.S." marking. And LOOK at that other thread, referenced above.

1) The flutes look correct, unlike the other one.
2) Difficult to tell if the "U.S." is correct, or not. Perhaps someone can post pictures of a correctly marked one for comparison. Difficult to tell given photograph quality. It certainly looks more like the proper marking than the one in the other post, but hard to tell for sure.
3) Grips could be refinished or replaced. They don't look like they have original finish; again, need better photographs.

Don't worry about shipping to Mr Kopec; folks do it all the time. If you are serious about learning about or reselling this revolver, you MUST send it to him!

 

[texasblackpowder]

Now there is a better Ainsworth...
when you say help a friend, are you trying to sell it or gain information about it? Either way, a Kopec letter often helps certainly with gaining information and does help one in this condition sell to most buyers, outside of experts who don't pay up. If you just want information, perhaps help can be found here.
Typical fair Ainsworth fairly similar condition to those used in the field, I'm sure someone can look up 3000 range company (sorry!). Grips appear to be additions without looking too closely, most of these guns were used hard. A better grip pic with better light would help.
if the grips are right, this one is desirable

Edit, better look yes grips are repos, but still an outstanding gun

 

[saintclair]

Someone else recommended sending the other Ainsworth to Dave Lanara.
Getting a letter from a known expert on these Martial SAA's is important
if one plans to sell them.

 

[mrcvs]

Can someone with far superior computer skills than I post this firearm (left side), alongside a martially-marked one known to be correct, as with the other thread? I want to say the don't and spacing of the "U.S." is correct, but cannot say for sure...

 

[Kanza]

I will ask for better and more pictures. From what I've read, I agree that inspection by mr. Kopec is deserved.

 

[Kanza]

I believe the intent is to sell this revolver. The owner is in his nineties. Perhaps it's time for someone else to enjoy it.

 

[Kanza]

I believe my friend is ready to sell. He is in his nineties. Perhaps it's time to share. I mentioned that I would be interested, but I'm trying to find the range of value. I'll try to get more and better pictures. Am I right by not posting a picture of the complete serial number?

 

[Cozmo]

I was trying to enlarge the original photo..best I could get.

 

[mrcvs]

Am I right by not posting a picture of the complete serial number?

No, please do post photographs of the serial number. It will enable us to tell you more, and learn more.

If your friend wishes to sell, to get the most interest, and best value, a Kopec letter is essential!

 

[ethompson]

Post the serial number with the last two number blocked out.

 

[Pointman]

I wouldn't worry about posting the whole serial number - do it! Some experts can tell alot by seeing all the numbers (stamping/spacing, etc.) because many are faked, overstamped, etc. As been said, do send it to Kopec if you want to know originality, any potential history and real value. It will cost a few hundred dollars but has the potential of gaining a few thousand dollars.

 

[Rick]

Post the serial number with the last two number blocked out.

No, IMO, post the whole thing. he's owned it for 55 years.

 

[Rick]

Left side bears some evidence of refinish. Maybe vise marks on barrel. Right side looks better. (?)

 

[jplower]

Someone else recommended sending the other Ainsworth to Dave Lanara.
Getting a letter from a known expert on these Martial SAA's is important
if one plans to sell them.

Thanks St, John and I have talked concerning his possible, future decision to transfer the service into my hands. Have correspondence to prove it. From what I see, the barrel has vise marks on it and it may have been changed. If the poster could send photos of the barrel address, and close shots of the dates and inspectors marks, I can give a qualified opinion, but of course, John is the ultimate authority at this time.

jp

 

[jplower]

Serial number disclosure has no bearing on these antiques, unless they were stolen, which I doubt. No reason to hid here in the forum.

 

[feralmerril]

The trigger being too far forward indicates it needs action work but relatively speaking it`s not a serious deal. Fine gun!

 

[Kanza]

I hope to have improved pictures based on the recommendations next Sunday. What are the locations for the A inspectors marks? I've asked for picture of barrel inscriptions. Isn't there an A on the cylinder? Where? Thank you all for contributing your comments.