OK you gun guys

[Spirited-6]

I have a Colt 38 Spec. CTG Detective Spec. that has NO SER. NUMBER that I can find. It is a snub- nose with larger grips on it. The gun is like new, I have had since 1970 I think.  I can not find any value on this . Any help out there ??? Not selling, unless worth a LOT OF MONEY !
TIA, for any help on value.
Don.

[Chrisj CMA]

take the grips off, there may be a serial# at the base of the frame

[fudgie]

Why did you file them off? 

[Spirited-6]

take the grips off, there may be a serial# at the base of the frame

Thanks, have done that ; no number. 

[Serk]

Assuming the SN# wasn't just filed off, that'd mean it was made before the gun control act of 1968 (That's the law that required SN#'s be put on firearms.)

The Colt Detective Special was made from 1927–1986. (Then a re-issue from 1993–1995, but that's outside the scope of this discussion)

Although a major company like Colt was probably SN#'ing their products well before that...

They offer a research service, (Gotta pay for it though) details on it are here:

http://www.coltsmfg.com/CustomerServices/ArchiveServices.aspx

[Pete]

Suggestion:

You need to verify ASAP if the gun ever had serial numbers.
Cause if they were filed off, that is a REAL EXPENSIVE gun, 10 years of your time and $10,000 of your money for possession. Serious Federal law violation.

[Brad]

Should be on the back of the cylinder and on the bottom of the grip frame.

[Spirited-6]

Why did you file them off? 

Thanks Fudgie for sick-en the Feds on me !!!

[Spirited-6]

Assuming the SN# wasn't just filed off, that'd mean it was made before the gun control act of 1968 (That's the law that required SN#'s be put on firearms.)


I would guess that the Colt was before 1968, I think I bought from the Widow in 69 or 70.

[Spirited-6]

Suggestion:

You need to verify ASAP if the gun ever had serial numbers.
Cause if they were filed off, that is a REAL EXPENSIVE gun, 10 years of your time and $10,000 of your money for possession. Serious Federal law violation.

Thanks Pete. There are NO signs of any SN any where on the gun. I bought from a friend`s widow after he passed.    I have never fired the weapon , so looks like new. It stays in bedside drawer,.Before I get jumped on because of no fire`ing, I have other means at bed side. 

[razor]

have you looked on the frame where the cylinder hinges out?

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

According to the 2004 27'th issue of "gun traders guide" the first issue of the Detective Special was made from 1926-1946 and NIB (new in box) value of this gun with a blued finish was $468, Excellent condition would have been valued at $364.

2'nd issue was from 1947-1972 and an "excellent" specimen would have been valued at $364 for a blued gun.

3'rd issue was from 1973-1984 and an "excellent" specimen would also have been valued at $364.

4th issue was from 1993-1995 and a blued gun in "excellent" condition would have been valued at $411 in 2004 when my price guide was printed.

[JimC]

spirited-6
I just pulled mine out to check, and the serial number on mine is on the frame, but it can not be seen until the cylinder is rotated down, it is between the barrel and the hinge pin for the cylinder.
Hope that helps,
Jim

[Spirited-6]

have you looked on the frame where the cylinder hinges out?

Bingo. Thanks razor. There it be, real hard to see.
And thanks to you JimC.
Don