Colt 2nd Gen Serial # Markings?

Hello,

Just quick question for you Colt experts out there. What markings did the 2nd Gen Colts have (like on the 1860 Army)? Where were the serial numbers placed? (Barrel, frame, trigger guard (?), backstrap (?))

V/r,

John

 

I'm certainly no expert, but this is what I have:

"COLT´S MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. Current firearms manufacturer with headquarters located in West Hartford, CT.
Colt´s Manufacturing Company, Inc. is the previous manufacturer of 2nd Generation Colt percussion revolvers located in Hartford, CT. Colt used subcontractors to supply rough castings for the manufacture of these black powder pistols. Throughout the production years 1971-1982, these rough castings were produced in Italy and the reproductions were completed in the United States. Initially, Val Forgett and Navy Arms provided these parts/components during 1971-73. Lou Imperato supplied these parts from 1974 to 1976. In both instances, these revolvers were assembled and finished in Colt´s facilities in Connecticut. Finally, from 1978 to 1982, Colt subcontracted both parts procurement and final production to Lou Imperato and Iver Johnson Arms in Middlesex, NJ. Colt percussion revolvers produced by Iver Johnson had frames, center pins, nipples, and screws manufactured in the United States. In all instances, these revolvers were manufactured in accordance with Colt´s strict specifications and quality control. Additionally, Colt´s performed final inspection for all models. All percussion models manufactured from 1971 through 1982, either by Colt or its subcontractor, are regarded as authentic Colt pistols and not Italian replicas.
The Colt Custom Shop also produced a limited number of special editions through the early 1990s from 2nd Generation production inventory.

The "C" Series 2nd gen.s

COLT´S MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. : "C" SERIES These Colt percussion revolvers were reintroduced in 1971 (1851 Navy) and 1974 (3rd Model Dragoon). Both models were discontinued in late 1976 (no reference is made to them in either the 1977 Colt Catalog or Colt Price List). The 1851 Navy and Third Model Dragoon were the only models to be produced in both the "C" Series and "F" Series configurations. While the fit and finish of both series is of the highest quality, the difference is unmistakable. The "C" Series has a beautiful bright "Royal Blue" finish while the "F" Series has a more durable dark "Colt Blue" finish. Another distinguishing feature is the serial number range (4201 to 25099 for the "C" Series 1851 Navy and 20901 to 25099 for the "C" Series Third Model Dragoon).

The "F" Series

COLT´S MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. : "F" SERIES Production of these revolvers began in November 1978 with the 1860 Army and continued with the release of the various models described below until all production ceased in November 1982. Special Edition and Limited Edition models continued to be issued from the Colt Custom Shop inventory through the mid-1990s. Rumors persist, even at this late date, that a few in-the-white specimens are still hidden away at Colt´s. "F" Series revolvers were produced with a durable dark "Colt Blue" finish while the "C" Series finish is a more lustrous "Royal Blue."


COLT BLACKPOWDER ARMS CO. Previous manufacturer and retailer of 3rd Generation Colt Black Powder pistols and muskets located in Brooklyn, NY 1994-2002.
All 3rd Generation Colt black powder models are also referred to as Signature Series Models.
A reprise of the original Colt Black powder line, along with historic models not offered in the 2nd Generation, and a new series of Commemoratives, each model (with the exception of the Heirloom Tiffany 1860 Army and 1842 Texas Paterson) bears the Sam Colt signature on the back strap. These 3rd Generation models were manufactured under an authorized licensing agreement with Colt Firearms by Colt Black powder Arms Company – the same company (and many of the same craftsmen) responsible for the 2nd Generation Colt revolvers. Although parts for the Signature Series were cast in Italy, they were fully assembled and hand finished in the United States using the proprietary Colt formulas for bluing and color case hardening.
Colt Black powder Arms Company Signature Series revolvers are regarded as authentic Colt pistols. The 3rd Generation models have original Colt markings, including the barrel address and serial number stampings. There are no foreign proof marks on these authentic Colt models."

 

Thank you - Great information!

I was looking as well for information regarding where the serial number marks should be on a 2nd gen. I am curious to know if a particular gun is genuine.

V/r,

John

 

I have a 3rd Generation (Signature Series) but no 2nd Generation. I'm guessing that the serial numbers would be exactly as they were on an original, if that helps. Maybe you could post more info on the gun, maybe a pic.

 

Second and Third Generation Colt revolver serial numbers are on the trigger guard, the bottom of the frame just forward of trigger guard and the bottom of the barrel assembly just forward of the frame:

 

Also, s/n on the wedge and cylinder (typically just the last three numbers: e.g. "Colt's Patent No. 689"), and the grip strap on the gun butt. I have seen original Colts with a s/n on the end of the cylinder arbor, but not on my re-issues (2nd and 3rd gens).

Other markings: "Address Col. Saml Colt New-York U.S. America" along the top of the barrel, ".44 Cal" on the left side of the trigger guard, and "Colt's Patent" on the left side of the frame.

 

Sorry if this is hijacking. My Walker is number 4,000 with no letters. I always wondered about when it was made but never got around to requesting a letter of provenance. Any ideas when?

 

Is the Walker a Signature Series?

 

mykeal,
J.T. Gerrity,

Thank you - just what I was looking for!

V/r,

John

 

If it has a Sam Colt signature on the backstrap it was made between 1994 & 2002. If not, it was made between 1980 and 1982.

 

Pohill, I can't remember about the signature series but it is one of those Colt Heritage guns with parts made in Italy and assembled in Connecticut (or maybe it was assembled in Italy and "Blessed" in Connecticut). Actually, I do have a Letter of Provenance from Colt for this gun. They "authenticate the manufacture of the Colt firearm with the following serial number: 4000." Whatever that means?

It was shipped in 1982 to a dealer in Ohio. I forgot about this letter until this evening. It was written in 1999.