Colt 1911 .38 Super... should I?

[curtis73]

I'm an avid hunter and sportsman, but never got into the world of handguns much. I own a Beretta Cougar .45 that I shoot occasionally, but its more for keeping us safe in the house.

So, long story short, I was advertising a dirt bike I have for trade and one of the offers I got was a 1911 Colt .38 super that the seller describes as "rare" and "working condition."

What might it be worth? What questions should I ask? I did an internet search (as well as here) and found that some like the series 70 government issue might go for as high as 1200-1500.

If I can determine its value or rough estimate I would be able to know if its a fair trade for my bike.

[rondog]

Hell yes!!!! Do it!!! And quickly!!! Unless it's a total rust bucket beater. Worry about the details later. If you want more info, go to M1911.org, and 1911forum.com, and sign up there. The folks on those forums can tell you all you want to know about it. Colt .38 Supers probably aren't "rare", but they're not common either. Ammo is harder to find, and will cost about the same as .45acp.

I don't know what kind of dirt bike you're talking about, but there's lots of those around. Sounds like you might have a kid with dad's old gun, and doesn't know anything about it.

[curtis73]

Ok, I'll get photos and look into it, thanks.

The last gun I traded for was a 760 Winchester .243 in Pennsylvania. I traded for chainsaw Can you help me out a little as far as what I'll need for it to be a legal trade? I don't really know anything about California's laws having just moved here and I don't want to get into a shady deal where I accept a gun that can't be registered or legally owned.

The bike is a 95 Yamaha 250. I have it advertised at 1500 but its worth more like 1300.

[rondog]

Hmmm, Californy huh? Better ask the folks at those two other forums. Californy's a goofy place. AFAIK, you could do a face-to-face transaction OK, but there's always the possibility it's stolen too. Make sure the serial number doesn't look altered. With the s/n, someone at the 1911 forums could tell you the year of it quickly, or you can always call Colt and they'll tell you too.

And I doubt it's worth $1300, probably not even close. If it was a genuine WWI or WWII pistol that was all original and correct, that's another story. Get some good photos and ask the pros at those forums, include as much detail in the photos as you can, with serial number.

Been a lotta years since I rode dirt bikes, it's hard for me to imagine them being worth more that $600-700. I hear "dirt bike" and I'm thinking '70's vintage stuff. Sorry 'bout that.

[curtis73]

Ok... I got some pictures and the serial number. He doesn't know anything about it. He got it from a neighbor when he died and according to a gun shop he took it to, they valued it at $3000. I think that's BS from the shop, but so far I have no reason to believe that the seller is lying. He's been very honest and helpful so far.

Anyway here are pics, serial number is CGS022.

[Taurus Fan]

Omigod get it, that $3000 estimate is hardly bullshit, I'm no expert on appraisals, maybe someone else can tell you different, but I would have guessed it to be worth more. Is that fancy engraving from the Colt factory custom shop? When was it made? .38 Super chambering during some periods could make it quite rare. It's definately not a shooter. IF all the doodads were done by Colt, there aren't many of them out there.
I'm just giving you an amatuer's gut feel, I'm sure there are some experts out there that can tell you more about it's collectibility. Perhaps I'm just overreacting.

[BaserRonin]

I can't help with the estimate either, but unless that was someones "project" gun and the engraving is crap in person, I would make that trade.

I should add that If the Engraving is very good it probably got done at the Colt's custom shop. I am not sure about those grips either. Unless it was some kind of weird presentation piece it looks like it was modified at Colt. Hard to say for sure from the pictures though.
I am doing research on the serial number range now...

Okay, I can't find anything online. My new BlueBook is at home though; I will try to look up that serial number range as soon as I get home. Unless someone beats me to it who actually knows something about this piece...

[rondog]

Yeah, that engraving changes things considerably. That's not cheapo engraving, from the looks of it. Depending on who did the work, it COULD be quite valuable. Take some better photos of it with a good camera, and NOT on a white background. The metering system in cameras will try to make the white into gray, they're designed to do that. And use a flash.

And I still say to go ask the Colt experts at m1911.org and 1911forum.com. You may find out some valuable info there. Also call 1-800-962-COLT, ask for customer service, and tell them about the gun and the serial number. They can give you more details about it.

If it were ME, I'd make the trade right now, and then pursue the details about the gun and it's value. But that's just me. And I would shoot it too, just because it's pretty doesn't mean it can't be shot. I wouldn't carry it everyday for self-defense, but it would be fine to shoot it. The only old Colts you don't want to shoot are WWI vintage guns that are in stock, original condition. They're much too valuable if they're all correct, and the steel from back then isn't strong enough for today's modern ammo. That .38 Super would be fine though.

[Taurus Fan]

Originally Posted by rondog

Yeah, that engraving changes things considerably. That's not cheapo engraving, from the looks of it. Depending on who did the work, it COULD be quite valuable.

That's a good point, even if it's not Colt factory work, I would think there are some artisans from the past whose name alone would add to it's value if they did the work. I wonder, did they typically leave an identifying mark somewhere to show it was their handiwork?

[rondog]

OK, Curtis. I've posted about this on m1911.org, and here's the link. Maybe you can check in and see what responses pop up... http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=48941

[ander254]

i must say, i don't know what its worth but that's one pretty gun. I wouldn't mind having it in my collection.

[curtis73]

Thanks, rondog. I posted over at 1911forum.com and I'm getting similar advice to you guys, so the ball is rolling.

Here is that thread: Help me decide on this 1911 - 1911Forum

I'll call Colt tomorrow (they're closed now) and see what they can dig up on it.

[BaserRonin]

Well, I'm stumped. I can't find any reference to serial numbers that start with CGS. I'll keep looking, but I see nothing! If it helps the new blue book places value for a Super .38 at $1800+ in 95% condition. Checked blue book and my Collectors Guide to the Colt .45 service pistol.
Got to know what this is now!

How many Ribs/grooves does the mainspring housing have? 8 was Remington Rand...

[curtis73]

Thanks for all the research. I'm looking all over for the serial numbers as well.

I think I'll suggest that we stop by the gun shop when I meet the guy and they can look at it. If not, I'm pretty good at determining if its a safe, shootable condition. If it is I'll scoop it up. If not I think I'll pass. I don't want a gun you can't shoot

[Rem 742 30-06]

mooseman684 would be a good resource for this maybe he will be on tonight and see this.

[Taurus Fan]

If those grips are real Mother Of Pearl then their cost alone would be ???? Can they even be had anymore?

[madcratebuilder]

I have seen several Colt 1911's in .380 lately, most asking around 7-800 bucks.

[Taurus Fan]

Originally Posted by madcratebuilder

I have seen several Colt 1911's in .380 lately, most asking around 7-800 bucks.

I just don't have the heart to say it.

[oldjarhead]

Take it!!
If that is original Colt engraving it will have tremendous value.

I've never seen a Colt 1911 in .380; Colt did make a .380 but it was a much smaller pistol than the 1911. Where did you see these?

[rondog]

Sure, Colt made several models in .380 auto. But that's NOT the same as .38 Super! Think .38 Special +P,with an auto rim case. A .380 auto is a 9mm short.