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question for Colt SAA experts

dsmc1
Recently bought this relic on GB, see link:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=225335142
No Markings on the frame, and barrel is probably a replacement, but Colt SAA parts/screws I have fit. It appears to be an early 1st generation with the cylinder pin held in place with the screw under the frame, rather than the spring-loaded cross pin set-up used later.

HOWEVER I have NEVER seen an SAA frame with the Stop Screw entering from the RIGHT side of the frame. Trigger and Hammer screws enter from the left

Any thoughts? Is this a foreign version? If it IS Colt, would it be worth getting it Lettered to restore it to original configuration?

Appreciate anyone's thoughts.
Dave
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Comments

9 comments

Date Votes
  • hrf
    You need to edit and delete the period at end of link, which keeps it from working as posted.

    Looks like someone maybe drilled out the screw, and then reversed it or tried to?
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  • Spider7115
    Your link didn't work at first because you included a period at the end of it.

    Here: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=225335142

    It looks like a real Colt but was probably severely rusted. The frame screw was likely drilled out from the right side giving the impression that it was done by the factory, which it was not. It also looks like someone was either trying to convert the base pin release to the cross-pin style or simply drilled through to break the threads of the screw in order to remove it.

    That old girl's life is pretty much over.
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  • perry shooter
    RELIC is an apt description of the parts you have . Frame made late 1881.And this is the number to be used IF you asked Colt for a letter. Barrel early type with so called Dagger mark at each end but not original to pistol. What you might have as a BEST CASE is a military pistol sent back to Colt to be refurbished from a 7&1/2 inch barrel Cavalry model to a 5&1/2 inch Artillery model. A colt letter would cost you over $200.00 if this is the case and IF colt has the records. Artillery models in GOOD condition bring Good Money "YOUR PISTOL PARTS DONT fall into this category.In MY Opinion this collection of parts are BEYOND restoring and really not worth investing any more money. Unless it could be a Civilian model that was by Colt records shipped direct to someone that later became VERY Famous. The chances of this would be less then the lottery[:(] $700.00 paper weight.
    edit DSMC just wanted to clear up the fact That a military pistol made 1881 Will not letter or it will only state that it was one of 1000 shipped to the U.S. Army. These would all have 7&1/2 inch barrels and would all be matching serial numbers. YOURS is NOT matching. . However if Colt or a military Arsenal rebuilt the pistol then most likely the barrel would have been CUT to 5&1/2 inch . IF colt refurbished they would have a record and then a Colt refurbished
    Artillery model pistol would be Worth more with the 5&1/2 inch barrel then if you replaced with a 7&1/2 barrel. Like a Doctor.
    FIRST DO NO HARM Don't go changing parts.. Worst case would be someone had a bunch of parts and sent you all the spare parts. The only good a letter will do you is IF it is a colt refurbished pistol
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  • dsmc1
    Hi
    Fixed the link.
    I thought of that too, that the screw had been drilled out, but the damaged area around the hole on the left side is much smaller than the head of a screw would have been. Going to have to put it under high magnification and look at that hole again to determine if I can see the outline of the screw head still frozen in place.

    If I am able to restore her, I'm guessing it would be better to leave the existing finish, (that is, NONE), rather than rebluing her. But may go for a letter to determine original configuration: if she has a 7.5 inch barrel, would prefer to find one and replace it. Seller thought it was Army issue. Anything here, short of military stamps that would indicate that it was?
    Thanks for the ideas.
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  • Old-Colts
    If authentic, frame serial number 72123 falls into the second David F. Clark (Ordnance Principal Sub-Inspector) inspection period and in the serial number range of approximately 60,300 through 74,000 he was assisting Ordnance Inspector Lt. Charles C. Morrison.

    Since, for some reason, the frame's left side markings have been obliterated; the frame's serial number researched through Colt's Archive Services is the one way to determine if serial number 72123 is a civilian or Cavalry Single Action; that is assuming a record of that serial number can be located. Another possible way, since the serial number appears to be unmolested, is to carefully examine the frame area just above the serial number. Except in very rare cases of omission, Clark inspected Single Actions have D.F.C. stamped in that location.
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  • jonlower
    I noticed that the cylinder is an early one, with the small notches. Look for a tiny A or P on the exterior. This would indicate military inspecton. Don't look for it at the rear. It would appear that this was probably an artillery version, since all the parts are mismatched and do fall withing military serial numbering. Look for a tiny A or P under the barrel just to the right of the number and in line with the cylinder pin.

    As far as restoration goes, I have seen and restored worse specimens. It does need welding on the right screw holw and it looks like someone tried to drill out the other side but was unsuccessful. Wrong tool for the job. New barrels and cylinders, and grips are available to bring it back. Much depends upon the amount of metal left on the front around the cylinder pin screw and on the frame sides. You did'nt to so bad price wise, parts are getting hard to find.

    JP
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  • jonlower
    Also, patent dates and the US stamp are available.
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  • Spider7115
    quote:Originally posted by jonlower
    Also, patent dates and the US stamp are available.

    FYI: Dave Lanara, "jonlower", is a widely known, highly respected and award-winning master restorer of Colt SAA's. Heed his advice and he will be happy to assist you.

    Here's his website: http://davelanara.homestead.com/
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  • rsnyder55
    I don't know if this makes sense to anyone, but did this cylinder space of the cartridge rim at the base or the case lip? It appears the cylinders don't have enough space between them to space off the cartridge rim at the base and there is more metal between the chambers at the bullet end.
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