HOW OLD IS MY COLT AGENT?
I have been to
http://proofhouse.com/colt/index.html , which says that a Colt Agent with serial numbers between 26150LW and 33899LW dates to 1954.
But mine says W 3201X ("X" of course not being the real, last number in the seriation) on the frame and cylinder crane--not "12345LW," as the site above lists it.
In other words, on my gun there is no "LW" on the right side of the numbers--there is simply a W, and it is positioned on the left side of the numbers.
The finish on mine is flat black (blue?), the grips are checkered walnut with goldish medallions, and the front site is a ramp rather than a "half moon" type.
It shows what seems to be a lot of holster wear, with the port ("left") grip being darker than the starboard ("right") one--as if the port grip has absorbed a lot of body oil and/or moisture.
The ejector rod is fully enclosed under the barrel by a shroud.
Does anyone know where or how to positively identify the age of my little banged up gem (any books or sites that can help)?
If not, can anyone supply an educated guess, along with the explanation behind it?
(I paid $250.00 for it at the end of 2006 in L.A. County, CA. And I paid $375.00 for a mint condition Det. Special around the same time--to be picked up soon.)
Thanks.