Colt Officers model 38 Specials - Serials
I have two Colt Officers Model 38 Specials:
1) Serial number 529xxx, walnut checkered grip (no uncheckered diamond around mounting screws), Colt Medallion.
2) Serial number 314xxx, walnut checkered grip (uncheckered diamond area around mounting screws), no Colt Medallion.
Since both look new with bluing on trigger, guard, hammer etc. it is hard to tell when they were made. Number 2) gun seems to have a more brilliant bluing and has the flattop blued while the flattop on 1) is a matte finish.
Does anyone have any estimates on the mfg date or what issue they might be?
Thanks in advance for any answers or "where to go for answers" information!
PB
1) Serial number 529xxx, walnut checkered grip (no uncheckered diamond around mounting screws), Colt Medallion.
2) Serial number 314xxx, walnut checkered grip (uncheckered diamond area around mounting screws), no Colt Medallion.
Since both look new with bluing on trigger, guard, hammer etc. it is hard to tell when they were made. Number 2) gun seems to have a more brilliant bluing and has the flattop blued while the flattop on 1) is a matte finish.
Does anyone have any estimates on the mfg date or what issue they might be?
Thanks in advance for any answers or "where to go for answers" information!
PB
0
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Saxon has it pretty well. Gun Number 1, S/N 529XXX was manufactured in 1926, according to my reference books. This gun would be correct with the matte finish on the top strap. It should also be a nice blue color, but not like the other gun, (No. 2) Both guns are considered to be "Second Issue" which ran from 1908 to 1926.
Gun No. 2, S/N 314XXX, the early gun made in 1909, would be correct with the uncheckered diamonds around the grip screws and the "Bright Fire Blue" finish, which was used up to and throughout 1916.
I'm curious about one thing, if you don't mind. What is the barrel length on these guns? And are they both .38 Specials? Hope this helps. Sure sound neat!
Fish Shudder at the sound of my Name!
Edited by - RancheroPaul on 11/19/2002 21:19:270 -
Guys,
Thanks for the responses - Most helpful!
Both revolvers are 38 special, 6" barrels. Sights are adjustable, with scribe markings in the flattop for windage in rear sights, elevation adjustment on front sights. The serial numbers on the frames and cylinder swivel match on both. The barrels are both stamped with "OFFICERS MODEL 38" with small "maltese cross" markings at beginning and end of the stampings.Both also have a small triangular mark on the left side of the frame just above the trigger guard. Looks like "IP" inside the triangle. The bores are very clean with no pitting. Fit is tight. Bluing in the rear barrel area is intact, indicating no lead shaving. A quick casual glance at them and you'd think they were new but when you look you see they are not...
The front sight adjusting screw on the lower serial number pistol shows small scratches where it was adjusted. Otherwise, both firearms appear to have not been taken apart - or were done so using correct tools. Generally speaking, the stampings appear more carefully done on the lower number model. It has a thinner lettering, indicating a lighter touch when stamping.
The lower number pistol: 1)
is close to 98% finish, with slight polished wear on the barrel, bottom of the trigger guard, and the frame in the grip area. The barrel has a 3/4" scratch where the bluing has been scratched by something like a screwdriver. There is also a ding in the barrel that has removed bluing and marred the surface a couple thousandths of an inch deep, as if a small screwdriver had dinged it. This mark is about the diameter of a pencil lead. Has a fitted brown leather holster.
The cylinder has drag marks (not grooved) from the indexer. NOTE this gun's hammer is not blued on the sides, but rather polished. No rust(!) There is a "3" stamped on the left side of the frame just above the trigger guard. Top of barrel stamped (as close as I can tell - Some punctuation marks are hard to see)
"COLT'S PT. F.A MFG. CO, HARTFORD, CONN U.S.A
PAT'D AUG 5.1884.JUNE 5.1900.APR 9 01.JULY.4.05."
The higher numbered pistol 2)
Is practically 100% with no significant wear, even on the barrel end and corners. There is a "3" stamped on the left side of the frame just above the trigger guard. It has a black leather fitted hollster. Top of barrel stamped (as close as I can tell - Some punctuation marks are hard to see)
"COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO, HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A
PAT'D AUG.5,1884.JUNE 5,1900 JULY 4 1905."
Both have what I believe are original fitted holsters with belt loops. Leather and stitching on both are excellent shape. Don't know fir sure, but believe the holsters were purchased with the pistols. Both belonged to law enforcement officers.
I am enjoying the research on these. Thanks for the help!
PB0 -
quote:
I always caution folks with guns made before the mid 1930s that steel manufacturing was haphazard at best in those early years. Although these are heavy framed guns I would not use anything other than standard velocity ammo in them if you shoot them.
Thanks for the insight and tip on the holsters. I will keep them out of the holsters and display separately. As for the ammo, good point - I doubt they will be used a lot, but will only use standard ammo. I could probably get some money from them (saw anyplace from 400-1100 in sites and stores), but why bother if I like them and don't need the cash...
Thanks and God bless...
PB0
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