Pre-war Service Model Ace......

Hey guys,

I posted this on another forum, but wanted to do the same here in case some folks don't "cross-over".

Thanks for looking,

Emri



This is kinda long, but you serious guys should bear with me. ( please! )

The serial number is SM 24XX ( I honestly don't remember the last two digits ). The slide matches the frame SN. It has gov't inspector initials on the left side below the slide stop. I did not take it apart, but all of the external features look just like this one.

1942 Colt Service Model ACE 22 Low Serial # NR : Semi-auto at GunBroker.com


I don't have pics (yet) as it is not mine. A customer brought it into the store late this afternoon and wanted to sell it. I told him I would do a little research and get back to him about it. I am not trying to get it ( no funds or desire ) but it is for sale. It was his Father's, ( recently passed ) and he is trying to sell it for his Mother's benefit.

I would like a knowledgeable opinion ( to start ) of an approximate value if anyone has seen one sell recently. The two (2) I saw on Gunbroker that sold were quite a bit nicer, original finish wise, and went for a little over $4K (each). I believe this verbal description will let you know what I was looking at.

The one I saw today was ( in my professional opinion ) about 20% original finish and had never been re-finished. It seems someone may have attempted to remove some surface rust at some time and subsequently removed some ( quite a bit ) of the original blueing. I don't know how the blueing "disappeared", there was no evidence of abrasive used to do it, the original polish marks were quite evident, but that is that. The front part of the slide was still dark from the front to where the heat treat line was. The rest rearward was rather grey and somewhat dull. The frame was the same color as the slide, overall, but for the deep recesses. One of the FIRST things I noted was that someone had tried to "improve" the color with cold blue. I could smell it. ( y'all know that smell, but it wasn't done this morning ) With that said, the surfaces were rather nice: i.e.- no deep pitting anywhere and only very little active light rust. The "small parts" ( slide stop, safety, trigger, grip safety ) were quite nice original finish. About 70% overall on them.

As stated, I did not take it apart, but I DID remove a grip panel from one side and noted that it hasn't been removed for a long time before I did it. The evidence I was able to see leads me to believe that it an "original as manufactured" piece and not a recent attempt to put something together.

I would very much appreciate any opinions about the desireability and possible retail value of the afore mentioned pistol. When ( if ) he brings it back for me to clean-up for him, I'll generate some pics for further opinions.


Thanks !!!


Emri


P.S. - The bore ( if it matters ) was dusty and a bit dirty, but it should clean up to a mirror shine.

With the condition as poor as it is and the fact that it has been messed with as far as rust removal and possible cold blue, I would say that it would only be worth somewhere in the $650 to $750 range. Most serious collectors would not even be interested.