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Antique Colt Pistols

At age 16, Samuel Colt hand carved a wooden model that became his most famous invention, the mechanism that gave the revolver its name. The spool shaped six-chambered device which rotates a fresh round into place each time a gun is cocked or fired changed the development of firearms like never before.

The gun maker leveraged its use of interchangeable parts, mechanized manufacturing methods, and organized production line to mass produce handguns in a way that would become the model for other industries. Colt's Model 1877, the first double-action revolver commercially produced in the U.S., was carried by Billy the Kid. Colt's .45-caliber Model 1878 with barrel lengths ranging from 2 1/2 to 12 inches became a favorite among lawmen and more than a few outlaws.

Later, the turn-of-the-century Colt Model 1900 .38-caliber semi-automatic was tested by the U.S. War Department before the M1911 .45-caliber was adopted for general issue during World War I, laying the groundwork for Colt to own the market for decades to come.

Antique Colt pistols from plow-handled two-shot derringers to turn-of-the-century semi-auto handguns rarely misfire at auction.


Quick Facts

  • In 2014, a .45-caliber Colt revolver believed to be carried by legendary Arizona lawman Wyatt Earp topped its $150,000 pre-auction estimate to reach $225,000
  • In 2007 at Greg Martin Auctions, a pair of Colt Model 1878 double-action revolvers with ivory grips and lanyard swivels topped their $30,000 high estimate, selling for $51,075
  • In a 2013 Rock Island Auction sale, a U.S. Navy Colt Model 1909 double-action revolver sold for $3,500

Recommended Items at Auction

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COLT M 1903 POCKET HAMMERLESS
Mar 25, 11:00 AM EDT
COLT M 1903 POCKET HAMMERLESS
by Accurate Gun Auctions
Est: $0- $0
$6256 Bids
COLT MODEL 1903 POCKET M SEMI AUTO PISTOL.
Mar 28, 10:00 AM EDT
COLT MODEL 1903 POCKET M SEMI AUTO PISTOL.
by Poulin Antiques & Auctions
Est: $300- $500
$3504 Bids
(C) COLT MODEL 1911A1 SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL WITH BOX, ORIGINAL RELEASE DOCUMENT (1913)
Apr 13, 9:00 AM EDT
(C) COLT MODEL 1911A1 SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL WITH BOX, ORIGINAL RELEASE DOCUMENT (1913)
by Morphy Auctions
Est: $1,500- $3,000
$1,0004 Bids
(C) COLT MODEL 1911 SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL (1918).
Apr 13, 9:00 AM EDT
(C) COLT MODEL 1911 SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL (1918).
by Morphy Auctions
Est: $1,000- $2,000
$5003 Bids
(C) COLT MODEL 1911 SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL (1913).
Apr 13, 9:00 AM EDT
(C) COLT MODEL 1911 SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL (1913).
by Morphy Auctions
Est: $1,000- $1,500
$6002 Bids
Nice WWI Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless .32 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol
Mar 25, 1:00 PM CDT
Nice WWI Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless .32 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol
by Vogt Galleries Texas
Est: $1,300- $1,600
$7002 Bids
COLT 1903 ENGRAVED & GOLD PLATE #2 OF 38 PISTOLS
Apr 01, 10:00 AM CDT
COLT 1903 ENGRAVED & GOLD PLATE #2 OF 38 PISTOLS
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $6,000- $7,500
$3,0001 Bid
Nice Colt 1903 Pocket Hammered .38 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol
Mar 25, 1:00 PM CDT
Nice Colt 1903 Pocket Hammered .38 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol
by Vogt Galleries Texas
Est: $1,800- $2,200
$9001 Bid
Early Colt 1903 Pocket Hammered .38 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol
Mar 25, 1:00 PM CDT
Early Colt 1903 Pocket Hammered .38 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol
by Vogt Galleries Texas
Est: $600- $900
$3000 Bids
COLT 1903 POCKET HAMERLESS PITSOL, NICKEL, 32 AUTO
Apr 01, 10:00 AM CDT
COLT 1903 POCKET HAMERLESS PITSOL, NICKEL, 32 AUTO
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $800- $1,200
$5000 Bids
Early Colt Model 1905 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol
Mar 25, 1:00 PM CDT
Early Colt Model 1905 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol
by Vogt Galleries Texas
Est: $4,000- $5,000
$2,0000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Antique Colt Pistols


Morphy Auctions

Morphy Auctions

Vogt Galleries Texas

Vogt Galleries Texas

Austin Auction Gallery

Austin Auction Gallery

Poulin Antiques & Auctions

Poulin Antiques & Auctions