Should I or Shouldn't I, That is the Question

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Firearms Auction
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The following item is being sold at auction -

Item - Pair of Colt Percussion Army Revolvers, .44 caliber, aged ivory grips bearing a carved eagle with a snake in its beak, 90% blue and case hardened colors, complete with all accessories (2 boxed unopened cartridges, Colt patent powder horn, bullet mold, and oiler) in original wood case, serial #193339 and #193131 made in 1871, condition: very fine.

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[Taz's Master]

Firearms and spoons are tools and should be used accordingly.

That stuff is technically jewelry though and would look good on you, go for it.

[Moses]

Nice. Buy a piece of history!

[jriera]

The numbers should be a little bit closer to each other, but I will say go for it!!

[Seahawk]

I enjoy guns but have zero perspective on old weapons...what is special about this pair that would make you even consider bidding.

And, how much do you think they are worth?

[Bob's Flat-Six]

I have a pretty nice collection of antique American wall Clock's that vary in value into the thousands, so I like nice original collectibles.

The carved handles should be very desirable in Ivory with the Eagle and Snake ( Rattler ? ), with the quality of the carving adding value if it's good, better, or best ?? The powder horn looks embossed ?? but very nice. The unopened boxes are rare I'm sure.
From what I know of collecting, I'd say those pistols are pretty sweet. I love their early lines, with the grips and powder horn. The completeness of the set being the icing on the cake.

A wild guess at value with no experience in this area, I'd say their worth 20K on the low end with through the roof depending on originality of the set / completeness, and of course interesting provenance being the big money puller.

[RPKESQ]

How do you know that they are not fake? I'm not trying to insult you, as I do not know your ability in antiques. But I worked in auctions and private sales for over 15 years, in the UK mostly. I have seen fake Colts and Winchesters come out of museums that had them for over 75 years turn out to be fake. You know they have been faking Colts and Winchesters for well over 100 years now. There is no finish or patina that cannot be duplicated. And with the large price increases antiques have enjoyed in the last few years, the urge to cheat grows ever stronger.
Again, if you are knowledgeable than you don't need to listen to me, and I apologize if I have caused any offense. If not, PM me and maybe I can help.

[nostatic]

Is this for you and mother?

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I have not talked to the Auctioneers about these guns. As for value I estimate in the 15K to 20K range is about right. They are not factory engraved, which if they were would put them in the stratosphere as far as value. They are in an out of the way Auction house in the Midwest. As such they might go 30 to 40 percent under market value.

The question of them being Italian copies made to look old, gives me pause. From looking at the pictures carefully there are wear patterns that would be hard to manufacture. Little dings and dents etc, so my intial guess is that they are straight as represented. However before I make a heavy money bid I owuld have to see them in person. Which in mostly likely hood precludes my buying them.

Another thing thing that gives me pause is the Auctioneers admonishment that either the buyer or a trusted agent examine the Lots in the sale.

[Bob's Flat-Six]

I wouldn't be a buyer without an inspection by myself or a trusted knowledgeable friend/collector.
I would want to know if everything started life together in the set, to start of with.
When I looked at the pic's a second time It looks like some of the pieces don't really fit the compartments ?

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In my opinion I don't think the case is factory, the oiler Bottle is more English in orgin than Colt. I think the Case and Acoutraments are period though.( Dixon Brothers of England were the suppliers of record for the Flasks.)

[Bob's Flat-Six]

Tabs, have you ever seen the Colt collection at the Western Heritage museum ( Gene Autry ) in Glendale ? It's my favorite part of the tour. Lot's of beautiful engraving to see.

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Yes I have seen that collection. I liked the guns that belonged to the Historical figures.