Posted: 8/3/2010 4:50:32 PM EDT
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I have recently been given an old Colt. Is there anyway to find out the year the gun was made? I really have no use for it but i do see that it is old and go for a fair amount on Gun Broker. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Quoted:
I have recently been given an old Colt. Is there anyway to find out the year the gun was made? I really have no use for it but i do see that it is old and go for a fair amount on Gun Broker. Any help would be greatly appreciated. If I am not mistaken, Colt will do some research––for a small fee–– answer yout question, and provide documentation.. OTOH, there are a number of web sites that can give you some undocumented, but fairly reliable info. |
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I would try here first:
Colt Serial number lookup.... Then try over at the Colt Forums...........I am sure you will find the info you are looking for between the two.... |
| and when you do research make sure you use the guns serial number - located on bottom of butt not the assembly numbers sometimes stamped on other areas. also in the early 1900's when these guns were used it was common for these to be issued to or marked as property of le /gov agencies- proof of ownership by certain agencies can drive up value significantly,for example guns attributted to the RNWMP (canadian mounties) bring a lot of coin.In many cases only the Colt historical letter will prove its history.at the very least it will give you date it left the factory and to where it was shipped. |
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The New Service had it serial numbers stamped in three places:
On the frame, just below the barrel where the cylinder crane seats. On the crane itself, opposite the frame number. On the inside of the side plate. The New Service as made for the government as the Model 1917 had government serial numbers stamped on the butt, but still had Colt factory numbers in the above places. |
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If the three numbers don't match, you have a gun in which major parts have been replaced.
The critical number is the one on the frame, just under the barrel, where the cylinder crane seats. Since cranes and even side plates can be replaced, the frame number is the important one and the one that determines production date. However, non matching numbers is a big hit on the value of the gun. |