Colt Ace 22 Long Rifle

[JKJeepDad]

Hello. I am trying to figure out exactly what I have and what it is worth. It was my wife's stepdad's gun and he was in WWII. I know he gave his Government Issued .45 to his Nephew but we found this in some of his things after he passed away. The SN is 10,xxx. There are only numbers with no preceeding letters or anything. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[RickB]

We're going to need a lot more info than that, to be of much help. What are the markings on both sides of the slide? The frame? What type of finish does it have? Any indication that it was government issue (I'm assuming so, since this isn't in the Colt forum)? Colt made Aces in the 1930s, and again in the late '70s/early '80s; you know it's the former? Pics are always nice, too.

[Jim Watson]

Pictures, detailed description, please.

The serial number fits a late production "Original" Ace, not a Service Model, either right before WW II or one of a few made after the war, probably parts cleanup.
The only other thing I see that would have a 10,000 range serial number with no prefix, suffix, or "No." would be a Conversion on a .38 Super receiver.

[JKJeepDad]

Thanks for the replies...here are a few more details and I will work on the pics.

On one side of the slide:

COLT'S PTF.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A
PAT'D APR 20, 1897 SEPT 9, 1902 DEC 19, 1905 FEB 14, 1911 AUG 19, 1913

Other side of slide:

COLT ACE (with diamond around it) .22 LONG RIFLE

On one side of the trigger guard there appears to be a small "P" and on the other side there is an imprinted "38" on the trigger guard.

Hope this helps

[Jim Watson]

I am staying with my first opinion of a "original" Ace.

Cost $50 in 1939, same as a National Match .45 but less than a $60 Service Model Ace. Standard Government Model was $41.50 at the time.

[JKJeepDad]

So I should use it as a plinker and have fun?

[JKJeepDad]

I guess when I convert $50 in '39 to today it looks like more than I thought it would. It is missing the magazine. Where could I pick one up for it?

[RickB]

Depending on the condition, could be worth $2000. A pretty rare gun.
Some folks claim the relatively common Service Model Ace/.22-.45 Conversion Unit magazines will work in the original Ace, but they look nothing alike, so maybe, maybe not.

[JKJeepDad]

I can't figure out how to post from google's picasa but here is a link to the two photos i took with my phone camera. I will work on getting some higher quality photos up.

http://picasaweb.google.com/stewart.kd/GunInfo/photo#5201126940331294130

[Axel]

Without knowing the next digit of the serial number, I can not pinpoint the exact year of manufacture.

It was made between 1939 and 1947.

It looks like a decent original and if the slide serial number matches the frame it could be worth about $2,000.

[JKJeepDad]

The serial number is 10,0xx.

Where can i find the serial number on the slide?

[Axel]

It was made in 1939. It is a Colt Ace.

The slide serial number is on the back of the slide under the firing pin stop.

Press the firing pin in with the tip of a ballpoint pen while sliding the firing pin stop in a downward direction. Keep your thumb over the firing pin so it does not fly out.

Send me a PM if you need further directions.

The slide will probably match.

It might be worth more than $2,000.

The correct magazine will not be cheap.

[JKJeepDad]

The slide number does match. Do you have any idea where I can get a magazine for it? I love the way the gun feels.

[Ping Ping]

I love the way the gun feels.Gee, what a shocker! It's a pre-war Colt! ;) :D :D

Kidding aside, that's a tough call; whether to shoot a $2300 relic, or archive it and wait for it to hit $5k and sell. If you're careful, you can have the best of both worlds. Get a mag, or two and shoot it. Just be sure you're wearing white cotton gloves ;)

[John]

Metalform makes magazines for the Colt Ace. Call them and get a couple.

I would shoot it and enjoy it. I do not care for collectible value, a gun (for me) is a gun and guns are to be shot.

[JKJeepDad]

Thanks for all the responses guys. I think I'm going to get a few mags and use it as a training pistol for my 3 boys. Thanks again.