pafarmgirl
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I have a Colt Frontier 44-40, serial number 334149, and would like to know how to find out when it was manufactered. How do I go about this?
Colt Frontier 44-40
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pafarmgirl
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Thanks a lot! But, how did you find this out? I'd like to know as I have another handgun I want to do some research on. I'm trying to find the history of these guns. Your help will be appreciated. 
pafarmgirl
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Jim Watson
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Nickel plated with medallion steer's head carved pearl (or ivory?)
Wow.
The Blue Book has serial number vs year of manufacture tables for many guns including Colt SAA. So do most of the specialty reference publications but I can't find one on the net offhand.
Colt will, for $100, look up the individual gun and send you a Factory Letter with all available records. They usually describe its original configuration of caliber, finish, barrel length, grips, etc., and when and where shipped. The destination is usually a distributor or dealer, only a few guns are listed by the final owner, and Colt will charge extra for a letter with mention of a historical figure or company employee.
http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/historical.asp
If it is still in original configuration as described there, it is said to "letter" which will add to its dollar value and historical interest. If it has been dressed up after sale, its value will be less but still substantial for a Colt of that age and apparent good condition.
Now, what is your OTHER gun you would like information on?
Wow.
The Blue Book has serial number vs year of manufacture tables for many guns including Colt SAA. So do most of the specialty reference publications but I can't find one on the net offhand.
Colt will, for $100, look up the individual gun and send you a Factory Letter with all available records. They usually describe its original configuration of caliber, finish, barrel length, grips, etc., and when and where shipped. The destination is usually a distributor or dealer, only a few guns are listed by the final owner, and Colt will charge extra for a letter with mention of a historical figure or company employee.
http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/historical.asp
If it is still in original configuration as described there, it is said to "letter" which will add to its dollar value and historical interest. If it has been dressed up after sale, its value will be less but still substantial for a Colt of that age and apparent good condition.
Now, what is your OTHER gun you would like information on?
pafarmgirl:
Your original post didn't indicate that you wanted to research beyond the date of manufacture. If I'd known I would have gone into more detail.
Jim Watson's post has a lot of valuable information that I'm sure will help you. A general answer to your question about firearms research is that you need to build a reference book collection. Many such books are available, and they can sometimes be purchased used over the 'net. While it is expensive, I would start by getting Colt to "letter" the gun. Then I would look for books on Colt revolvers written by R.L. Wilson.
Your original post didn't indicate that you wanted to research beyond the date of manufacture. If I'd known I would have gone into more detail.
Jim Watson's post has a lot of valuable information that I'm sure will help you. A general answer to your question about firearms research is that you need to build a reference book collection. Many such books are available, and they can sometimes be purchased used over the 'net. While it is expensive, I would start by getting Colt to "letter" the gun. Then I would look for books on Colt revolvers written by R.L. Wilson.
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