[ir3e971]

Need some help from those with a knowledge of Colts.

I purchased this nice old Colt Official Police last weekend for $279. It cleaned up very nicely, and shoots extremely well so I think it was a good buy. Locks up tight and has a great trigger pull in both DA and SA. I believe it was manufactured in 1943. The target is from 25 feet.

Does anyone know what the markings on the side represent. I am "theorizing" that the gun was probably used by Tennessee Valley Authority. The USA I am not so sure about, US Army? :confused:

There is no bomb marking inside of the crane like would be present on a commando.

The side has two markings on it:

TVA 505360
USA 9083

Any help would be appreciated. Random speculation always welcome as well. :)

98795

98796

98797

[Jim K]

The TVA is probably a reasonable guess; TVA did have armed guards at its dams and powerhouses during WWII and likely still does. The "USA" is a bit more problematical. It is too small to be a serial number of any kind; it could be something like a transfer number.

Jim

[SaxonPig]

Yup. TVA bought a lot of Colts for their security people. I once had a Police Positive Special stamped TVA.

During the war years only the cops and defense plant security could purchase new handguns. A 1943 Colt not military marked certainly went to a PD or security force for an industry deemed as national defense.

[Dr.Rob]

Nice shooting old Colt

[Jim Watson]

I worked 30 years for TVA and shot with one of the Public Safety officers. They did indeed have all manner of firearms to guard power plants and other less publicized installations. There are a good number of TVA marked Reisings in the SMG market, for example.

I recall when TVA Public Safety determined to standardize on guns. They loaded up all the guns they had amassed over 50 years or so and traded them in on Remington 870 riot guns and Ruger AC 556 assault rifles. My friend the firearms instructor said the Rugers did not hold up well in full auto, he considered them a hunting rifle adapted to military and security use. He wished they had paid the extra $50 each for M16s.

The tradeins were a blue steel and walnut lover's dream. They had the Reisings and some Thompsons, various models of riot and trench guns, and Winchester lever actions in several calibers. Obviously a logistics nightmare but still some fine old hardware. Not to mention the assortment of sporting guns confiscated from people hunting on government reservations.

[ir3e971]

Jim,

Thanks for the additional background. Around what year did the TVA standardization occur?

I am glad to hear that the guess on TVA was likely correct. I just am not sure what the USA marking represents.

Dr. Rob

The gun shoots fantastic. I have to give credit to my dad. He shot that group right out of the chute with the pistol. Mine were not as pretty as that one. Though it definately shows the capability of the pistol. The trigger is very good.

[Thomas Garrett]

Love the old Colts. Good shooting Dad!:D