My dad is wanting a value on a old gun he has. It's a colt 1908 nickel plated 380. Gun is in great condition except for discoloration on the grips. Colt says it was manufactured in 1926.

Send the information and pic's to Colt. I know they are going thru bankruptcy but hopefully they'll respond. 10 years ago someone we knew purchased an old Colt at a gunshow. Took it to his local GS for a valuation. GS told him what I mentioned above, and to be patient.

Patience wasn't a virtue.

Before he received a response back, he sold the revolver for a $50.00 profit.

True story. Colt got back with him 8 weeks later. The revolver he had in hand, was specifically made for/issued to/and carried by Sheriff WW Bat Masterson.

They placed the value between 8 - 10K

He sold it for $250.00

Sorry I babbled and know it didn't answer your question, but please take your time.

Here is what the Blue Book shows based on condition:

100% - $1,750.00
98% - $1,475.00
95% - $1,200.00
90% - $900.00
80% - $800.00
70% - $700.00

I would estimate it t 90-95%. Agree or disagree?

Agree. I would put it at 90%. I'm not sure how collectible these are, but collector value may bump the value up even more.

been lookin for one to go with my 25acp

Cool gun.

Id love to have that pistol

Was the gun born nickel? I agree with Janie. Contact Colt on the phone. Pay the 75 dollars to have it "lettered" That will have it pedigreed if you will. It will tell you everything known about the gun. Its taken them 3 to 4 months for letters to get to me. If the gun has been nickeled it will distract from the value. Hope this helps.

the story I've heard is that it was sent to colt to be nickel plated.

Looks refinished to me. I would think $400.

Why do you say that?

The sharp machining looks polished over yet the finish is bright. The flat areas look wavy. I bet it's worth more than $400 to someone but it does look refinished in the picture above. May just be the lighting.

The letter will tell the tale if they nickeled it...The letter is a BIG selling point on older Colts.

Not to be a snob, but it is a Colt model 1903 in .380 automatic. Colt never catalogued a model 1908 pocket model (according to all my research). If it was born with that finish and 100% original it is worth a lot. If refinished its worth not a lot. Nickel from factory is fairly rare. I had a special treat of holding one that is rumored to have been issued to Gen. Pershing (staff officer side arm). There is no documentation so it was worth about 500 (very good condition), if documented it would be worth an astronomical amour if money

The man that I spoke on the phone with verified that it was I fact a 1908 380 hammerless made in 1926. I'll be talking to a colt archive expert tomorrow.