have been fired the price comes down and then no one wants them because they feel they shouldn't be shooting them to preserve the value. In reality it's too late. Shoot them!
I love old Colts but they can be frail. Working on them (even finding a guy who can) almost requires a PhD in "Colt" engineering. I'm still tinkering with my 1935 Colt Official Police 6" in .22 LR. It's in nice shape, maybe 85% but the cylinder has side to side play, just a bit, it's not tight. Now when it is cycled, timing is good and it "locks" into battery tight. This is typical of the design. To "fix" it you actually BEND the cylinder yoke! Knowing which direction, having the correct tools (usually 'Smiths make them), knowing how to take it all apart and do it without malign anything is the trick! You BEND it! Other things you whack (peen) to make metal flow so you can polish to fit. It's not for the faint of heart.
I don't have very many. The ones I do have I really enjoy. I also have a 1903 Colt Bisley SAA in .32 WCF and a really cute Pocket Positive, 2nd issue (1920's) 2.5" in .32 Colt New Police (.32 S&W Long). Just those three constitute an embarrassingly large amount of money, and they are just old beaters. But on occasion we get them out and they are a joy to take in, quality and design that is not exactly possible today. But pretty close. Still, shooting and handling 100 yr. old guns is a hoot.