Value of a Pre-WWII complete slide

[JohnL]

Saw a Colt slide today at the show. He said it was a 1940 but my research after I got home suggests commercial markings used from 1929-1938. It was complete - all you would need is a frame. I'd guess it was about 97 percent (some holster wear) and didn't look refinished to these untrained eyes. I should have asked him what he was doing with just a slide but it didn't occur to me. He wanted $650 - I didn't see him again so i don't know if he sold it or not. Was he close to the ballpark value on something like this? I would think that the chances of finding a frame would be pretty slim, wouldn't it? Thanks!

John

[Axel]

A 1940 slide for a Government Model should have the same roll marks as a 1929-1939.

Was the slide complete with barrel and all parts including factory sights?

It might be worth buying if you had a prewar Government Model with a pitted or butchered slide (after market sights machined in).

The 1940 will have the serial number under the firing pin stop, so the numbers would not match if you assembled it to a good frame.

A 1940 slide will most likely have the Swartz Safety parts.

[JohnL]

I can't answer many of your questions as I ony looked at it for a moment but the slide did look complete. I may go back to the show to look for this guy today.

John