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I rarely post here, but have lurked (and learned) for years, but I now need some input from you guys. I have a chance to buy a Colt from a friend, who bought this pistol second hand. He's pretty well a bolt rifle guy, but was asked by a customer to buy some firearms (in lieu of payment for services) and in the mix were a couple of pistols. He's keeping a few, but is selling a couple. There wasn't a box and/or paperwork with the one I'm interested in, a hard chromed Colt 70 Series, with a squared off trigger guard.

I've ruled out Armand Swenson, as it doens't have his logo or S&W sights, plus the front strap isn't checkered, but instead has a nice even treatment that isn't stippling, nor a golf ball treatment, but can't really describe it. The grips have a a "Rogers" logo, but I don't know if that means it may have been done by Chuck Rogers, or did the guy just like the grips and then added them? Without posting pics yet, anyone have a suggestion? I haven't even talked price with the guy, as he's a friend and I want to be fair in how I handle this (unless it really were a Swenson, in which case I'd tell him some guy messed up his trigger guard and the gun is only worth a couple of hundred or so ).

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Added pics.....

Thats Clark stippling and beavertail so that may be a good start. Any marking under the slide on the disconnector rail?

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There is a small chance the name is covered by the grips.

I just stripped it and have found no identifying marks anywhere, under grips, slide, or anywhere else. I'll tell you one thing though, this baby is as clean as a whistle. BTW, I posted this on the 1911 forum over at AR15.com, and one of the guys there also identified this as a Clark because of the 'tiger tooth" treatment on the front strap

Anyone have an idea as to the value of this? I'm starting to wonder if I'll be able to afford buying it.

You can check on Gun Broker for passed sales and see what people have bid on them. Many guns on there have reserves and don't sell, but how much was bid should give you a start.

More good avice...thanks! I just did and found this one. Not identical in features, but at least gives me a ballpark amount.

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.a ... =126739657

I found a few more in past sales. I just look at past bids as many guns on Gun broker are priced well beyond their value. The only way to truly find what your friend’s gun would go for is to list it on an auction and win the gun that way.
The gun you posted first was listed at 1600, then 1300 and finally 1200 and no bids. You will have to join Gun Broker to be able to see past sales.

Having posted and worked retail on niche or specialized items such as custom guns for quite a while, please keep in mind the "time value of money" on what items go for. If in a hurry it will go for less, if you have time it will go for more. On consignments, the consignee and I will figure the item will sell for $2000 in 12 to 18 months or $1400 in 90 days. The consignee then decides. That seem to relatively good guide on specialized items. Past sales can be lead you in the wrong direction but are an good indicator of interest. Past sale on one particular piece was about $1800. It sold for $3000. Seller was very much in a hurry on the $1800. Just something learned from watching others. Just be flexible.

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geegee Is looking to purchase the gun from a friend and wants some help on what to offer them.

The past bids on Gun Broker average is around a $ 1000 for a Vintage Clark, but there are no perfect matches for your gun in question. This is not the value of the gun just what people have bid for them on Gun Broker recently. Factors to consider with Gun Broker, reserves get less bids as does ads without thumb nails in the search and other factors. You also have to average in todays economy.

I hope this helps.

Every Clark I have owned was marked. Either on the rail inside or as shown on the GB gun used for reference. While the stippling is Clark style and is probably Clark it wouldnt be difficult for a gunsmith to duplicate. I have never seen a squared trigger guard Clark but I am sure he was capable of it. The BT could be a Clark unit but not necessarily done by Clark. There is nothing on the top end that resembles Clark work to me. I wonder if it isnt a frankensmith gun. Started as a bullseye gun and someone switched the top end later for a more carry friendly unit.

Whats it worth. Whatever your willing to give. I have sold documented Clarks in the $900-$1400 range depending on condition and features. An undocumented gun of unknown lineage would be worth base gun prices to me.

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I looked at lots of Clark pistols on the web and can’t find anything like you have. The frame looks right but the ones I found all have good sights of one type or another. It seems to have different decade parts. The grips to me look from a different decade than the finish, clip bottom, and sights. Some of the ones I found mentioned that the slide is dated on the bottom from Clark. In the end you have an unknown gun and the value is what you think it is worth.