Value of Gun? Colt 45 - serial 68857

[vanillanut]

My father-in-law recently passed, and this was found in his possessions. Can anyone help with a general value of this gun? Looks like it has been worked on / refinished (I know this probably decreases value).

Colt .45 - serial number 68857
Patent September 19, 1871
July 2, -72
January 19, -75

45 CAL on trigger guard

 

[Tactically Fat]

Definitely (And unfortunately) refinished.

Hope you can get a decent valuation on it!

 

[Leadeye]

You have a First Generation Colt SAA with the early "black powder" frame that has been refinished in nickle at some point in it's long life. Check it over to see if all the numbers match up which will help with the value. It looks like they do in the picture, you can see the three locations. When you pull the hammer back do you get four distinct clicks and does the hammer stay put on the fourth and the second one? Bore condition is a big one, give it a cleaning and see how much you have left. Does the cylinder stay put when the pistol is cocked all the way or is there much wobble? The answers will place your value somewhere between $1200 and $2200.

 

[PGRChaplain]

Vinillanut, WELCOME!!!!!!! The Colt Forum will give you a lot of answers, most will echo Leadeye.

 

[SEIndSAM]

No idea of the value, but wow, that is a gorgeous Colt...