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2/20/2017 5:02:26 PM EDT
So I bought a Colt Officers Model on Saturday. I need some help though.

Here is what I bought:





The frame SN comes up as 1950 on Colt's website

This is what a 1950's OM 4th issue should look like: (image from coltfever.com)



Mine has a barrel and front sight that looks like an OM from a 2nd issue: (image from coltfever.com) Though my front sight seems a hair lower.



However, the hammer looks like it belongs to a COLT NEW SERVICE SHOOTING MASTER based on the color: (image from coltfever.com)



Also I am seeing a logo that I have not seen before. I admittedly am not an aficionado on the stamps and markings though. Mine has the pony but it also has a big "C" that goes around the pony.


The grip on mine looks like it belongs to an OM 2nd issue as well based on the color of the medallion.

Is it possible that I have a bastardized OM or one put together by spare parts from Colt since the never threw parts away and have been known to use them where they could?

It locks up tight and has an amazing trigger.

The markings on the barrel say:

Top:
COLTS PT FA MFG CO HARTFORD CONN USA
PAT'D AUG 5 1884  JUNE 5 1900  APR 9 01  JULY 4 05

Side:
+ OFFICERS MODEL 38+

There is a number 6 underneath the SN on the frame. Frame and Cylinder SN match. Both front and rear sights are adjustable.
2/20/2017 5:13:09 PM EDT
[#1]
I have its twin.  Shortly after WW2 Colt restarted the OMM line.  For the first two or three years they were in that configuration.  As I recall mine is a 1948.  Third issue is the term collector's use.
2/20/2017 5:21:03 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote History
Quoted:
I have its twin.  Shortly after WW2 Colt restarted the OMM line.  For the first two or three years they were in that configuration.  As I recall mine is a 1948.  Third issue is the term collector's use.
View Quote


1st issue: 1904-1908
2nd issue: 1908-1926
3rd issue: 1927-1949
4th issue: 1949-1952
5th issue: 1953-1969

So is it possible for them to be made to 3rd issue specs during the 4th issue time frame?
2/20/2017 6:19:59 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Quoted:


1st issue: 1904-1908
2nd issue: 1908-1926
3rd issue: 1927-1949
4th issue: 1949-1952
5th issue: 1953-1969

So is it possible for them to be made to 3rd issue specs during the 4th issue time frame?
View Quote


Date ranges are frequently soft.  A year or two off is not unusual.  Once a new design is decided upon they will usually finish up the older parts on hand.  Sometimes these can overlap.
2/20/2017 6:24:48 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:


Date ranges are frequently soft.  A year or two off is not unusual.  Once a new design is decided upon they will usually finish up the older parts on hand.  Sometimes these can overlap.
View Quote


I didn't know that. Thank you.

This gets me a little excited. Well a lot excited because I like trying to find Colt revolvers and if this one has the possibility to come out of the factory that way, which seems likely, makes it even more special for my collection.

I did also find an in decent shape Police Positive in 38 as well. I already had one but this one was in much better condition. So now I can sell or trade my old one this weekend or maybe hold onto it and make it into a project gun to restore or something.

Yay Colt!
2/20/2017 8:01:06 PM EDT
[#5]
Nice Colt.