Identity and Date of Manufacture of Colt Revolvers - Page 2

Old Fuff · October 3, 2012, 10:32 AM

Check the serial number again. That particular configuration was made from about 1873 through 1986. No way was it made in 1949. The first number could be a letter.

ColtPythonElite · October 3, 2012, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Fuff

Check the serial number again. That particular configuration was made from about 1873 through 1986. No way was it made in 1949. The first number could be a letter.

I want one of the 1873 models...

jrdolall · October 3, 2012, 01:24 PM

SN could be S-3508^ instead of 5-3508^. There is an X under the SN.

Old Fuff · October 3, 2012, 03:02 PM

Quote:

I want one of the 1873 models

It's a very rare, one-of-a-kind prototype. I doubt you could afford it.

Old Fuff · October 3, 2012, 03:17 PM

The "X" is an inspector's stamp, and unrelated to the serial.

In 1978 Colt stopped issuing serial number information to researchers. The last data I have shows they ended that year at serial No. S 01001.

You can find out when your revolver was made by calling they're Customer Service Department at:

(800) 962-2658

They will tell you the year it was made, and nothing more. If you want to know more some stiff fees will kick in.

jrdolall · October 4, 2012, 06:11 PM

I called Colt and, assuming the first digit in the S/N is the letter S, then it was made in 1980. Based on the appearance I would say that is about right. If it is a 5 then it was made in 1949.

Old Fuff · October 4, 2012, 11:34 PM

In 1949 the frame was different in that the wood stocks didn't wrap around and extend below the metal part of the butt. The barrel was round and there was no rib or underlug that wrapped around most of the ejector rod. With no evidence to prove it (other then the above description) I would expect a S-prefix number in in 1980.

dfariswheel · October 7, 2012, 07:36 PM

In 1978 Colt stopped issuing serial number information to researchers.

R.L. Wilson was given the last access to the Colt archives in 1985.
The list ends in 1985 when the book was published.
The book is "Colt: An American Legend". In the back of the book are ALL Colt serial numbers from 1836 into 1985.

Colt Firearms considers this to be the official history of Colt firearms.
Pictured in the book is every model of firearm Colt ever made, most shown being profusely engraved show models.
You can still find the book on Ebay and some book seller sites.

Guillermo · November 25, 2012, 11:18 AM

Okay gurus...

I have a buddy with a Diamondback Snubby and the serial number is P747XX.

Neither proofhouse or Colt have a "P" serial number prefix.

Any thoughts are welcome.

Thank you

dfariswheel · November 26, 2012, 08:14 PM

P747XX was made in 1984.
There should be a "K at the end.

Colt started the "P serial number series in 1981 at P01001.
In 1984 the P series started ending with a "K" at P73252K.

slimpickens · December 3, 2012, 11:23 AM

Could I get a birthdate please on S&W 625-8, .45 cal
Four inch barrel, matte stainless, rubber grips
Serial #CFN5003

SORRY WRONG FORUM

Checkman · December 5, 2012, 07:27 PM

The R.L. Wilson book is great, but it's woefully out of date. Nevertheless I own a copy. I don't know if Mr. Wilson will be writing anymore books. I belive he is out of prison and I've heard nothing about him writing anything else. He might just be laying low. Too bad if that's the case. the Colt book could stand an update.

lr45lc · January 6, 2013, 10:31 AM

Have an old colt would like to the year it was made.
38 police pstive special
4 in
square butt
six shot
fixed site half moon
sn, 348xx
police postive 38 special

dhcustomwork · January 6, 2013, 12:11 PM

According to that serial number; you're looking at approximately 1911 as the production date. Please post a few pics of it if you can!

lr45lc · January 6, 2013, 04:47 PM

Hi All,
My brother has an old colt we would like to know the year of mfg.
beleive it is a 38 special but not sure.
38 special
4 in.
square butt
six shot
fixed front half moon
sn, 348xx
police postive special

Old Fuff · January 6, 2013, 07:51 PM

You apparently have a Colt Police Positive Special.

Serial number 34,8xx was made in 1910, two years after the model was introduced in 1908. Be sure you have the whole number. It is stamped on the frame in the crane cut-out just below the back end of the barrel. The "crane” is the hinge part the cylinder swings out on, so you have to open it to see the number.

Old Fuff · January 6, 2013, 08:03 PM

Since R.L. Wilson went out of the picture Colt's don't seem to be interested in outside researchers. Instead they would rather sell the information. If you call their Customer Service Department at (800) 962-2658 and give them the model and serial number they'll tell you the year it was made, and nothing more. The person you're talking with will be reading off a computer screen and may or may not have any in-depth knowledge of the subject.

lr45lc · January 10, 2013, 09:45 AM

Thanks Old fuff, I asked my brother he said it also has 38 under the s/n I'm in NM he's in ohio so I can't look at the gun up close.

dwstone1227 · January 11, 2013, 01:15 PM

a) 38 Special CTG
b) 4 " barrel
c) Wood grips, rounded and all wood (no metal) across bottom.
d) 6 shot
e) Fixed sights.
f) 26324M. Bottom of grip is all wood, no serial number
g) 26324M under the crane.
There is no number under the barrel or face of the cylinder. There is no serial number at bottom of grip.
h.) On left side of barrel: Police Positive Special, 38 Special CTG

This is one very nicely maintained revolver. I bought it back in about 1980 for $75. I never had to time to shot much. It may have 50 rounds through it total. I recently sent my wife and kids to a local NRA instructor along with all my guns for training. The instructor refused to use this gun. Instead he came back with his own revolver and used it. After the training session he showed me an guesstimate of value for this gun. This gun is now a Safe Queen. I bring it out of it's original box once in while just to hold it and smile. My son has already claimed this revolver as his inheritance.

Thanks in advance for the information on this gun. Sorry to bore you with the history of this gun, but this story brings smiles to me.

dwstone1227

Old Fuff · January 11, 2013, 07:04 PM

You have a .38 Colt Police Positive Special, and the serial number dates it to having been made in 1997. The model was introduced in 1908, and discontinued in 1998 - one year after the one you have.

The name comes from "Police" indicating its obvious use, and "Positive" to show that it has Colt's famous positive hammer block that makes it unquestionably safe to carry with all the chambers loaded.

In later years it was cataloged to be available with 4, 5 or 6-inch barrels, while the snubby version with a 2-inch one is called the Detective Special.

The revolver in itself is not uncommon, but so late production, "in the box," is.

dwstone1227 · January 11, 2013, 11:20 PM

Wow. Time does fly. I would have sworn I had this gun longer than that. Thanks for the information.
Dwstone1227

DGilby85 · January 18, 2013, 12:13 PM

I called a contact at Colt who informed me that Anacondas with serial numbers MM32463 and under are considered early production models that have the accuracy issues.

radar1972 · January 18, 2013, 08:11 PM

While everyone's posting 'old Colts', I'll include a couple pix of my father-in-law's Colt Army Special. He bought it from a pawn shop in 1942. Checks of the serial number at proofhouse.com indicate it was manufactured in 1919.

We fired it at the range today.

almarwol · January 29, 2013, 09:09 AM

I have a Colt Agent .38 caliber snub nose 6 shot w/ sn 123947. Finish is flat black and has shrouded ejector w/ wood handles. Need to see when manufactured. database from Colt not conslusive.

sinisterkid · April 11, 2013, 09:35 PM

I just joined THR forum because I have been offered to purchase a vintage Colt revolver. Not sure if I'm supposed to start a new thread, but I figured this would be a good start. I believe I have a Colt Banker's Special in .38 S&W. It is nickel finished w/walnut grips. Serial number is 168XXX, and according to proof house, manufactured in 1926. All of my research today verifies that this revolver meets all the correct criteria:

2 in. barrel
half-moon sites
ser. #168XXX
Nickel finish
square butt (walnut checkered)
hammer spur checkered
correct patent marks: ends with "Oct. 5, 1926"

Here's the kicker guys---This gun appears 98-99% condition on finish! Right grip panel has front corner broken off......looking at the inside of the frame where the cylinder locks up, I swear this gun has possibly NEVER been fired! Can anyone help me out? i.e. what should I offer the seller (an honest price--my wife's boss (it belonged to his father who passed away last year). He has no clue, "just a handgun". Will post pics this weekend.
Thanks......

October 3, 2012, 01:24 PM	#28
jrdolall Member Join Date: February 3, 2012 Posts: 833	SN could be S-3508^ instead of 5-3508^. There is an X under the SN. __________________ "...if I was wrong don't you think I'd know it?"- Dr Sheldon Cooper

October 4, 2012, 06:11 PM	#31
jrdolall Member Join Date: February 3, 2012 Posts: 833	I called Colt and, assuming the first digit in the S/N is the letter S, then it was made in 1980. Based on the appearance I would say that is about right. If it is a 5 then it was made in 1949. __________________ "...if I was wrong don't you think I'd know it?"- Dr Sheldon Cooper

December 3, 2012, 11:23 AM	#36
slimpickens Member Join Date: January 29, 2010 Posts: 53	Could I get a birthdate please on S&W 625-8, .45 cal Four inch barrel, matte stainless, rubber grips Serial #CFN5003 SORRY WRONG FORUM Last edited by slimpickens; December 3, 2012 at 01:02 PM. Reason: Wrong forum

January 6, 2013, 10:31 AM	#38
lr45lc Member Join Date: February 4, 2011 Location: Albuquerque N.M. Posts: 23	old colt Have an old colt would like to the year it was made. 38 police pstive special 4 in square butt six shot fixed site half moon sn, 348xx police postive 38 special

January 6, 2013, 12:11 PM	#39
dhcustomwork Member Join Date: December 18, 2012 Posts: 73	According to that serial number; you're looking at approximately 1911 as the production date. Please post a few pics of it if you can! __________________ Dave - dhcustomwork custom holsters

October 3, 2012, 10:32 AM	#26
Old Fuff Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 20,692	Check the serial number again. That particular configuration was made from about 1873 through 1986. No way was it made in 1949. The first number could be a letter.

October 3, 2012, 03:17 PM	#30
Old Fuff Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 20,692	The "X" is an inspector's stamp, and unrelated to the serial. In 1978 Colt stopped issuing serial number information to researchers. The last data I have shows they ended that year at serial No. S 01001. You can find out when your revolver was made by calling they're Customer Service Department at: (800) 962-2658 They will tell you the year it was made, and nothing more. If you want to know more some stiff fees will kick in.

October 4, 2012, 11:34 PM	#32
Old Fuff Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 20,692	In 1949 the frame was different in that the wood stocks didn't wrap around and extend below the metal part of the butt. The barrel was round and there was no rib or underlug that wrapped around most of the ejector rod. With no evidence to prove it (other then the above description) I would expect a S-prefix number in in 1980.

October 7, 2012, 07:36 PM	#33
dfariswheel Member Join Date: December 26, 2002 Posts: 5,760	In 1978 Colt stopped issuing serial number information to researchers. R.L. Wilson was given the last access to the Colt archives in 1985. The list ends in 1985 when the book was published. The book is "Colt: An American Legend". In the back of the book are ALL Colt serial numbers from 1836 into 1985. Colt Firearms considers this to be the official history of Colt firearms. Pictured in the book is every model of firearm Colt ever made, most shown being profusely engraved show models. You can still find the book on Ebay and some book seller sites.

November 25, 2012, 11:18 AM	#34
Guillermo member Join Date: February 20, 2008 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 6,346	Okay gurus... I have a buddy with a Diamondback Snubby and the serial number is P747XX. Neither proofhouse or Colt have a "P" serial number prefix. Any thoughts are welcome. Thank you

November 26, 2012, 08:14 PM	#35
dfariswheel Member Join Date: December 26, 2002 Posts: 5,760	P747XX was made in 1984. There should be a "K at the end. Colt started the "P serial number series in 1981 at P01001. In 1984 the P series started ending with a "K" at P73252K.

December 5, 2012, 07:27 PM	#37
Checkman member Join Date: September 23, 2003 Location: Idaho Posts: 1,886	The R.L. Wilson book is great, but it's woefully out of date. Nevertheless I own a copy. I don't know if Mr. Wilson will be writing anymore books. I belive he is out of prison and I've heard nothing about him writing anything else. He might just be laying low. Too bad if that's the case. the Colt book could stand an update.

January 6, 2013, 04:47 PM	#40
lr45lc Member Join Date: February 4, 2011 Location: Albuquerque N.M. Posts: 23	old colt Hi All, My brother has an old colt we would like to know the year of mfg. beleive it is a 38 special but not sure. 38 special 4 in. square butt six shot fixed front half moon sn, 348xx police postive special

January 6, 2013, 07:51 PM	#41
Old Fuff Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 20,692	You apparently have a Colt Police Positive Special. Serial number 34,8xx was made in 1910, two years after the model was introduced in 1908. Be sure you have the whole number. It is stamped on the frame in the crane cut-out just below the back end of the barrel. The "crane” is the hinge part the cylinder swings out on, so you have to open it to see the number.

January 6, 2013, 08:03 PM	#42
Old Fuff Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 20,692	Since R.L. Wilson went out of the picture Colt's don't seem to be interested in outside researchers. Instead they would rather sell the information. If you call their Customer Service Department at (800) 962-2658 and give them the model and serial number they'll tell you the year it was made, and nothing more. The person you're talking with will be reading off a computer screen and may or may not have any in-depth knowledge of the subject.

January 10, 2013, 09:45 AM	#43
lr45lc Member Join Date: February 4, 2011 Location: Albuquerque N.M. Posts: 23	Thanks Old fuff, I asked my brother he said it also has 38 under the s/n I'm in NM he's in ohio so I can't look at the gun up close.

January 11, 2013, 01:15 PM	#44
dwstone1227 Member Join Date: December 6, 2012 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 27	38 Colt Police Positive Special a) 38 Special CTG b) 4 " barrel c) Wood grips, rounded and all wood (no metal) across bottom. d) 6 shot e) Fixed sights. f) 26324M. Bottom of grip is all wood, no serial number g) 26324M under the crane. There is no number under the barrel or face of the cylinder. There is no serial number at bottom of grip. h.) On left side of barrel: Police Positive Special, 38 Special CTG This is one very nicely maintained revolver. I bought it back in about 1980 for $75. I never had to time to shot much. It may have 50 rounds through it total. I recently sent my wife and kids to a local NRA instructor along with all my guns for training. The instructor refused to use this gun. Instead he came back with his own revolver and used it. After the training session he showed me an guesstimate of value for this gun. This gun is now a Safe Queen. I bring it out of it's original box once in while just to hold it and smile. My son has already claimed this revolver as his inheritance. Thanks in advance for the information on this gun. Sorry to bore you with the history of this gun, but this story brings smiles to me. dwstone1227 Last edited by dwstone1227; January 11, 2013 at 01:57 PM. Reason: Attached pictures

January 11, 2013, 07:04 PM	#45
Old Fuff Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 20,692	You have a .38 Colt Police Positive Special, and the serial number dates it to having been made in 1997. The model was introduced in 1908, and discontinued in 1998 - one year after the one you have. The name comes from "Police" indicating its obvious use, and "Positive" to show that it has Colt's famous positive hammer block that makes it unquestionably safe to carry with all the chambers loaded. In later years it was cataloged to be available with 4, 5 or 6-inch barrels, while the snubby version with a 2-inch one is called the Detective Special. The revolver in itself is not uncommon, but so late production, "in the box," is.

January 11, 2013, 11:20 PM	#46
dwstone1227 Member Join Date: December 6, 2012 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 27	Wow. Time does fly. I would have sworn I had this gun longer than that. Thanks for the information. Dwstone1227

January 18, 2013, 12:13 PM	#47
DGilby85 Member Join Date: January 18, 2013 Posts: 1	Colt Anaconda Bad Barrel Serial Numbers I called a contact at Colt who informed me that Anacondas with serial numbers MM32463 and under are considered early production models that have the accuracy issues.

January 18, 2013, 08:11 PM	#48
radar1972 Member Join Date: January 4, 2013 Location: Georgia Posts: 69	While everyone's posting 'old Colts', I'll include a couple pix of my father-in-law's Colt Army Special. He bought it from a pawn shop in 1942. Checks of the serial number at proofhouse.com indicate it was manufactured in 1919. We fired it at the range today.

January 29, 2013, 09:09 AM	#49
almarwol Member Join Date: January 29, 2013 Posts: 1	I have a Colt Agent .38 caliber snub nose 6 shot w/ sn 123947. Finish is flat black and has shrouded ejector w/ wood handles. Need to see when manufactured. database from Colt not conslusive.

April 11, 2013, 09:35 PM	#50
sinisterkid Member Join Date: April 11, 2013 Posts: 1	I just joined THR forum because I have been offered to purchase a vintage Colt revolver. Not sure if I'm supposed to start a new thread, but I figured this would be a good start. I believe I have a Colt Banker's Special in .38 S&W. It is nickel finished w/walnut grips. Serial number is 168XXX, and according to proof house, manufactured in 1926. All of my research today verifies that this revolver meets all the correct criteria: 2 in. barrel half-moon sites ser. #168XXX Nickel finish square butt (walnut checkered) hammer spur checkered correct patent marks: ends with "Oct. 5, 1926" Here's the kicker guys---This gun appears 98-99% condition on finish! Right grip panel has front corner broken off......looking at the inside of the frame where the cylinder locks up, I swear this gun has possibly NEVER been fired! Can anyone help me out? i.e. what should I offer the seller (an honest price--my wife's boss (it belonged to his father who passed away last year). He has no clue, "just a handgun". Will post pics this weekend. Thanks...... Last edited by sinisterkid; April 11, 2013 at 09:41 PM. Reason: pics