1848/1849 Colt club?

Just got another 31 Colt clone 1849 ASM: Bottom, top I've had awhile also ASM, the only interchangeable parts is the cylinders, they align perfectly and function equal in both pistols.

 

What are the date codes on both guns? Both are short frame/short forcing cone (early Model 1848 replicas). It looks like the bottom gun needs some work on the load lever latch.

Regards,

Jim

 

Deleted double post.

 

Deleted triple post.

 

Both of your revolvers are shown in the 1964 Armi San Marco Catalog.

Your Top Photo:
Revolver Wells Fargo {{1848}} - Cal. 31
The desirable "Wells Fargo" model of the "Baby Dragoon". Very rare and a fine conversation piece of the "Pony Express" days.
Frame and hammer case hardened (no lever) - Barrel octagonal, 4-5-6 inch lengths - Cylinder scene the typical stagecoach hold-up - perfect detail - Caliber .31.

Your Bottom Photo:
Revolver Baby Dragoon {{1848}} - Cal. 31
The celebrated "Baby Dragoon" pocket pistol issued in 1848 in teme (time) for the gold rush to California. Nice Shooter.
Frame, hammer and lever case hardened - Barrel 4", 6" lengths octagonal - cylinder scene of Indian fight - Caliber .31.

Their Third Type:
Revolver {{Colt Pocket}} 1850 - Cal. 31
1849 Pocket pistol with rare half round barrel, a type eagerly sought after by collectors.
Frame, hammer and lever case hardened - Barrel, half round dragoon style - 4-5-6 inch lengths - Cylinder scene the typical stagecoach hold-up - perfect detail - Caliber .31.




They later added the more common style Pocket with the octagonal barrel:

 

My W/O lever has an XX8 or XXB for the date code, the new acquire with lever has an XXV code, lever catches fine and is tight, gun appears to have not been fired, handling and drag lines, but sparkling bore and cylinder is pristine inside with no facial discoloration from firing, apparently checkered grips done by a previous owner..was listed as an estate find with other models also checkered grips.

 

I would say it must be XX8 rather than B as I have never seen the latter combination.
Both are in beautiful condition especially since they have been around for half a century.
Another 50 years and they will themselves qualify as antiques.

 

I think the checkering is factory as I have several ASM's with the same checkering design.
They look too uniform both per individual grip and from one gun to another to have been done by different owners.

 

The seller stated that he also thought they were factory as he had 3 ASM's he was selling with the checkered grips. That was the 1'st one I had seen with checkered grips, that wasn't tricked out and/or engraved.