[Murdock]

Must a handgun have particular collector value to warrant a factory letter? What is the current cost? How to apply for one? How long to process? Is Colt doing them, or the Cody museum? Thanks.

[Jim Watson]

I think a gun would have to have or be reasonably suspected of having collector value or historical significance to warrant the expense of a factory letter. But they will look up Aunt Minnie's bureau drawer .32 if it is a model they have files on.

All your questions are answered at:
http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/historical.asp
http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/2005%20COLT%20ARCHIVE%20SERVICES%20PRICE%20LIST.pdf

[The Lone Haranguer]

There is nothing wrong with simply satisfying your own curiosity. If you simply want to know when it was made, however, many gun makers can tell you over the phone.

[jwr747]

think the last "letter cost" from Colt was $100.00 jwr

[dfariswheel]

Instructions on what models they can research and the cost is on the web site:

http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/historical.asp

Whether it's value-effective to pay for a search is up to you. A gun may have no real collector value, but it may be a family heirloom.