Standard Catalog of Colt Firearms. Rick Sapp

original as well. This grading classification includes both modern and antique (manufactured prior to 1898) firearms.

       VERY GOOD

      Firearms in this category are also sought after both by the collector and shooter. Modern firearms must be in working order and retain approximately 92 percent original metal and wood finish. It must be 100 percent factory original, but may have some small repairs, alterations, or non-factory additions. No refinishing is permitted in this category. Antique firearms must have 80 percent original finish with no repairs.

       GOOD

      Modern firearms in this category may not be considered to be as collectable as the previous grades, but antique firearms are considered desirable. Modern firearms must retain at least 80 percent metal and wood finish, but may display evidence of old refinishing. Small repairs, alterations, or non-factory additions are sometimes encountered in this class. Factory replacement parts are permitted. The overall working condition of the firearm must be good as well as safe. The bore may exhibit wear or some corrosion, especially in antique arms. Antique firearms may be included in this category if their metal and wood finish is at least 50 percent original factory finish.

       FAIR

      Firearms in this category should be in satisfactory working order and safe to shoot. The overall metal and wood finish on the modern firearm must be at least 30 percent and antique firearms must have at least some original finish or old re-finish remaining. Repairs, alterations, nonfactory additions, and recent refinishing would all place a firearm in this classification. However, the modern firearm must be in working condition, while the antique firearm may not function. In either case the firearm must be considered safe to fire if in a working state.

       POOR

      Neither collectors nor shooters are likely to exhibit much interest in firearms in this condition. Modern firearms are likely to retain little metal or wood finish. Pitting and rust will be seen in firearms in this category. Modern firearms may not be in working order and may not be safe to shoot. Repairs and refinishing would be necessary to restore the firearm to safe working order. Antique firearms will have no finish and will not function. In the case of modern firearms their principal value lies in spare parts. On the other hand, antique firearms in this condition may be used as “wall hangers” or as an example of an extremely rare variation or have some kind of historical significance.

       PRICING SAMPLE FORMAT

       THE COLT ARCHIVE LETT ER

      Courtesy of Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC:

       Considered one of the most unique and prestigious services offered by Colt, the Archive Letter is universally recognized as an unparalleled investment in Colt firearms collecting. The Archive Department will search through Colt’s vast archives to provide you with accurate and documented details confirming the original specifications and delivery of your particular Colt firearm. You will then receive a personal letter outlining all the fine points of your firearm, written on Archive Department’s distinctive stationery, embossed with the official seal and signature of the Colt Historian.

      Whether your Colt is a treasured family heirloom or a more recent purchase, a Colt Archive Letter can provide fascinating and valuable information of historical or anecdotal importance. When it is authenticated in this exceptional fashion, the value and collectability of the weapon referred to in a Colt Archive Letter is significantly enhanced.

      Colt Archive Letters can finally provide descriptive details about custom engraving and other special features that will ensure the value of the firearm for future generations to treasure.

       COLT ARCHIVE SERVICES PRICE LIST (WWW.COLTSMFG.COM/CMCI/HISTORICAL.ASP)

      Prices and specifications are current as of April of 2006 and are subject to change without notice.

       PERCUSSION MODELS

      • $300.00 - 1851 Navy (98,000 to 132,000), 1861 Navy (1 to 12,000) and 1860 Army Revolvers (1 to 140,000). Records are only available on these models within the specified serial number ranges as noted above.

      • $200.00 – Some 1849 Pocket Revolvers are available – call prior to ordering (see Premium Pricing for additional charges)

       MODEL 1871 TO 1872 OPEN TOP REVOLVER

      • $200.00 (see Premium Pricing for additional charges)

       SINGLE ACTION ARMY .44 RIMFIRE

      • $200.00 (see Premium Pricing for additional charges)

       REVOLVERS

      • $75.00 – Agent, Army Special, Anaconda, Banker’s Special, Border Patrol (c. 1970), Cobra, Commando, Courier, Cowboy, Deringer (4th Model), Lord & Lady Deringer, Detective Special, DS II, Diamondback, Frontier Scout, King Cobra, Marshal, New Frontier .22, Officer’s Model, Officer’s Model Match, Official Police, Pequano, Pocket Positive, Police Positive, Police Positive Special, Python, Peacemaker .22, Three-fifty-seven Magnum, Trooper, Reproduction Black Powder models (see Premium Pricing for additional charges)

      • $100.00 – Aircrewman, Bisley, Border Patrol (c. 1952), Camp Perry, Marine Corps Model, 1889 Navy, New Army, New Line, New Navy, New Pocket, New Police, New Service, New House, New Frontier SAA, Open Top Pocket, Shooting Master, Single Action Army, 1877 Double Action, 1878 Double Action (see Premium Pricing for additional charges)

       PISTOLS

      • $75.00 – Ace, 38AMU Kit, Challenger, .45-22 Conversion Units, Colt .22 Auto, Government Model .380s, Huntsman, Jr. Colt, Match Target, Mustang .380s, 1903 Pocket Hammer (.38), 1903 Pocket Hammerless (.32), Pony .380 Series 90, Targetsman, Woodsman (see Premium Pricing for additional charges)

      • $100.00 – All American, .38 AMU Automatic Pistol, .22-45 Conversion Units, Combat Elite, Commander models, Delta Elites, Double Eagles, Gold Cup, Government Model, National Match, Officer’s ACP, .38 Super & Super Match, .38 Special Kit, 1900 Automatic, CZ-40, 1902 Military & Sporting, 1905 Automatic, 1911 & 1911A1 Automatics, M1991A1 Automatics

       RIFLES

      • $75.00 – Colteer, Courier, Coltsman Bolt Action, Stagecoach

      • $100.00 – AR-15 Sporter, Burgess Model, Sharps Rifle (limited records), Lightning Rifles (limited records), Sauer (see Premium Pricing for additional charges)

       SHOTGUNS

      • $100.00 – 1878 Hammer, 1883 Hammerless (see Premium Pricing for additional charges)

       SPECIAL EDITIONS

      • $100.00 (see Premium Pricing for additional charges)

       COMMEMORATIVES

      • $100.00 (see Premium Pricing for additional charges)

       NOTES

      About Premium Pricing: This pricing is added to the base price of the letter when the following special features are noted:

      • Standard engraving – $100.00

      • Expert engraving – $125.00

      • Master engraving, no gold inlays – $150.00

      • Gold inlays with scroll engraving quoted individually