ID this colt cap&ball model (w/ pics this time)
The consensus [ http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=147773 ] is that this is a reproduction, based on the serial number 270702 and being definitely .36 calibre. I didn't try to look at the bore, the cylinder doesn't lock up at all, the chambers are rusty. Obviously it's value is strictly as a wall hanger.
Can anyone tell me the correct model designation and a time frame when these reproductions were made?
If it moves, salute it. If it doesn't move, pick it up. If you can't pick it up, paint it.
Can anyone tell me the correct model designation and a time frame when these reproductions were made?
If it moves, salute it. If it doesn't move, pick it up. If you can't pick it up, paint it.
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The model looks like an 1851 Navy with a cut down barrel.
They started making these blackpowder reproductions in the late '70's until today.
One of the earliest of these manufacturers was Connecticut Valley Arms (back when they were actually in the CT. Valley, in Middletown, CT.)
Most of the modern reproductions are now made in Italy by Uberti and Armi San Marcos.
Is there any writing on it?0 -
quote:Originally posted by Xracer
The model looks like an 1851 Navy with a cut down barrel.
They started making these blackpowder reproductions in the late '70's until today.
No offense meant Xracer but your off by quite a few years. Don't mean to date myself but I was still in school while things were gearing up for the Civil War Centennial. Thats when these Colt replicas first hit the market. Some of the first ones came in from Beligum, they were pretty high quality to. Time frame would be late 1950's - early 1960's.0 -
That is true. I bought my first 1851 Navy repro in 1966, and it was second hand. 0 -
My pics of the markings didn't turn out. There is light engraving on the cylinder which is mostly obscured by rust. The serial number appears on the trigger guard, frame, and barrel in such a way that all three are lined up; as best I can remember, the top of the barrel says, "Address Col Sam Colt, New York, America"
Were these reproductions identified as such somewhere on them? (Like a dumbass I once turned down a chance to buy a reproduction of a centuries old coin that was not marked as a repro. My grandkids probably could have passed it off as the real thing in a few years.)
If it moves, salute it. If it doesn't move, pick it up. If you can't pick it up, paint it.0 -
I can't see what makes anyone think its a reproduction. Its a pefectly standard, fairly ordinary Colt 1849 Pocket model - produced in 1865.
What makes you sure its a 36 cal? The proportions from the photos are spot on for a normal 4in barrel, 31 cal 1849 Pocket.
I guess it says 36 cal on the left side - in which case you have a reasonably rare factory error (in my view).
The trigger guard for the 36 Cal "1865 Pocket Model of Navy Caliber" is identical, except for that stamp, to the 31 cal pocket - and went through the production line at the same time. Other errors like this have been identified. There is even a photo in the Jordan & Watts book on the '49 showing a double stamped guard (31 & 36 cal !!)
We can be sure it is not actually a "Pocket Navy" a) because of the serial # (they only went up to about 21000) and b) the cylinder on the Navy is rebated. There are also differences in the barrel shaping, cutouts, etc.
nigelo
www.colt49.com0 -
Why not measure the caliber or try some .31 & .36 balls and see which one fits?
There are no bad guns, only bad people.0 -
.31 "Pocket Model" of 1849, large trigger guard model, nice revolver, less than 12,000 made. $400-600 range...more with provable history. 0 -
Jody Commander - I totally agree on the value - but where did you get the "less than 12,000 made"?
This is a standard 1-line New York address '49. They ONLY had large brass trigger guards (except a few hundred export-only models) - so there were about 125000 of them made.
nigelo
www.colt49.com0 -
The obvious solution is to mic the bore or cylinder.
.36 caliber = reproduction or fake
.31 caliber = you might have a Pocket Model and some $$$$.0 -
As Xracer says, it ain't that hard..Mic it...
There are no bad guns, only bad people.0
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