how do i tell if a gun is a replica?

Question

my grandfather died and left me with some pistols. most of them say cva which is the name of the company they are replicas. the gun in question is a walker dragoon. on the revolving barrel it has an imprinted ocean scenery of a schooner and it says 16 may 1846. do replicas place a date like that? the gun isnt as polished as the known replicas. ive taken it to two gunsmiths one says its authentic and one says its a replica. how can i tell?

Answer 1

Look on the top of the barrel. All authentic Colts I have seen have the Colt name and address there. If it is authentic (and only an expert can determine for sure) and you decide to sell it, sell at an auction for collectible firearms. Do not sell to a dealer. A Walker should bring at least 50-60 thousand in any condition as long as it is complete. Only about 1,100 were made. A Dragoon should bring from 7-8 thousand on up, there were over 15 different models.

Answer 2

I would take it to a gunsmith, but most replicas have markings on them that even an amateur can use to determine that it is a replica. A non-firing replica would be worth $75 brand new and almost worthless in rough shape. A fully functional replica would be worth about $280 brand new and maybe $50-75 in rough shape. An antique that is worn, but serviceable, would be worth $100-500. In rough shape it would be worth $75-100.

Answer 3

I would try any serial numbers printed on the gun. If that fails take it to an expert. A good gun expert can tell the difference between screws and various parts of the 1800's and modern reproductions. My grandfather left me a Remington 1889 12ga. double barrel. It turned out to be authentic.

Answer 4

If you find out it is real then I would suggest you Join the NRA, and then buy the insurance through them on it. Then take it to the Nation Firearms museum and lend it to the for the display. As rare as the Dragoon's are they may love to have it in the display for a few years.



Hope it real.

Also if it is, don't let the i r s find out you got it ans you will have one heck of tax bill on it.

Answer 5

As said, consult a real gun expert. Look for Colt markings, as all Colt pistols were marked. At any rate, DO NOT let anyone talk you out of it before absolutely certifying it a replica. There were only 1,100 made.



http://acn.liveauctioneers.com/index.php/features/antiques/36-antiques/258-colt-walker-pistol-hits-record-920000-at-james-julia-auction

Answer 6

Colt is the original maker of the walker dragoon so if it is not marked colt it is a replica

Answer 7

An authentic walker is very rare so most likely its a repro, having said that it if its authentic it is valuable. take it to a reputable collector and have it evaluated. try the NRA web page they might be able to help you find someone. that service is free if you are a member. (shameless plug)

Answer 8

an original Walker Dragoon in good condition would be worth at least $100,000.



The surest way to tell is to contact Colt and fill out the questionaire to check to see if it is original (if it is they will usually buy it from you too).

Answer 9

I can tell you right now if the date is pressed in and not hand etched its a reproduction. Its most likely a reproduction but you would need an expert to tell you for sure.

Answer 10

get it appraised by a gun expert/ collector.

Answer 11

It won't work.

Answer 12

Send it to me and ill inspect it.

Answer 13

well i dont no, but by law if it looks like a gun, it is a gun

Answer 14

If it breaks when attempting Suicide!