Colt Artillery - No US stamp - why?
Colt verified that the SAA was sent out as an Artillery in 1896 (waiting on factory letter) - no records exist on original shipment.
Can someone point to a website that has information about Colt converting Cavalry to Artillery. I would like to understand why the US was replaced by the Colt Rampant.
Thanks for any / all suggestions!
Can someone point to a website that has information about Colt converting Cavalry to Artillery. I would like to understand why the US was replaced by the Colt Rampant.
Thanks for any / all suggestions!
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That is strange I to have an artillery And I have a letter that it came to Colt from us Army and modified then sent back to US army mine was done in 1903 I have a book from KEITH COCHRAN "colt cavalry artillery and militia revolvers but cant find any thing wit the 4 differennt types that talk about the Coltno US but parts should still have some original inspector marks 0 -
Is your Single Action in the 139,000 serial number range (1891)? According to "A Study", there were a few factory errors in that serial number range where the frame was struck with the Rampant Colt and the US had to be stamped very low on the frame and might have partially intersected with the circle around the Rampant Colt. However, the missing US stamp is a head-scratcher.
I know that during the late Colt reconfigurations of US Single Actions to the Artillery configuration, occasionally civilian barrels were used if the original couldn't be cut down and that's why you will find a few Artillery Models with a caliber marking on the left side; but I'm not aware of frame substitutions.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Old-Colts
Is your Single Action in the 139,000 serial number range (1891)? According to "A Study", there were a few factory errors in that serial number range where the frame was struck with the Rampant Colt and the US had to be stamped very low on the frame and might have partially intersected with the circle around the Rampant Colt. However, the missing US stamp is a head-scratcher.
No, it's serial number is under 20,000. Production was 1875 I believe.0 -
Can you post a clear close-up of the frame patent dates and the stamped Rampant Colt and possibly a clear close-up of the serial numbers stamped on the frame and triggerguard? If you are concerned about showing the Colt's serial number, the left side of the frame would be a good starting point. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Old-Colts
Can you post a clear close-up of the frame patent dates and the stamped Rampant Colt and possibly a clear close-up of the serial numbers stamped on the frame and triggerguard? If you are concerned about showing the Colt's serial number, the left side of the frame would be a good starting point.
Can't get the focus on the SN area on frame. Here are the patent dates / Colt.0 -
That appears to be a two line three date patent stamp (1891 and later) and what is termed the "Rampant Rocking Horse" (1912-1930's) stamp. So, unless the entire left side of the original frame was buffed clean of any markings, refinished, and re-stamped between 1912 and the 1930's, your frame might have been replaced with a late frame and re-stamped with the original serial number. Hard to tell without really detailed pictures. If you've disassembled the Colt; is the assembly number on the bottom of the frame or on the right rear of the frame and does it match the loading gate number?
Is the base pin held in with the screw in the front of the frame or a spring loaded transverse release?
Added: Is there an ampersand "&" or asterisk "*" stamped anywhere on the Colt? If it was a late Colt Factory rework it would usually be on the right rear triggerguard bow. Also, are there rework numbers on the cylinder, and inside flats of the backstrap and/or triggerguard grip frame.0 -
Base pin is held in by a screw.
The cylinder has the same last 2 numbers of the serial number next to the flute.
I have not tried to disassemble the Colt (No experience doing it).
If I'm not mistaken, Colt mentioned there will be a Colt cartouche to show the SAA was reworked at the factory from 1896.
I'll be able to hopefully spend sometime next week to really look this over. I really appreciate your help!
I guess there isn't a website or webpage with the information I was looking for (Conversions from Calivery to Artillery).0 -
I don't know about a free website, but John Kopec wrote a book ($80) and will examine your gun and authenticate it (or not) for a fee.
http://www.johnakopec.com/index.php?page=authentication0 -
Well, P-A-G, I'm not a US Single Action collector and only have a little knowledge in this area, but your Colt is a real conundrum; sorry I couldn't be of more help. The Rampant Rocking Horse stamp (small arc under the rear feet) was used occasionally post 1912 (broken stamp), well after any conversions that the US Army sanctioned. The 2 line 3 date patent stamp is from 1891 and later. The ampersand "&" or asterisk "*" were used by Colt to denote rework, usually accompanied by rework numbers if the Colt needed to be disassembled.
So, your Colt has had some mysterious actions applied to it, apparently after Army ownership.
Without clear high resolution detailed pictures of all markings and features, that's about all I can add. As mentioned, Kopec is the noted authority on US Colt Single Actions. He may or may not accept your Colt for authentication; you can certainly contact him with information on your Colt and go from there.
You can also post your request for information in the Single Action Section of the Colt Forum; there are several very knowledgeable US Single Action collectors over there. However, you'll need to post very good pictures in order to get the most accurate response.
Best of luck in your search for information!0 -
Thank you all. 0
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