Colt New Army/Navy???

[ThunderMtn]

I have been a single action shooter/collector for many years, but know virtually nothing about DA guns.. I recently picked up a revolver at a gun shop and would like to know exactly what it is. I believe it to be a Colt New Navy or Army.

6" Revolver
Top of Barrel:Colt's PT F.A. MFG. CO HARTFORD CT. USA
PATENTED AUG 5th 1884 NOVEMBER 6th 1888
Left Side of Barrel: COLT. D.A. 38

The cylinder rotates counter-clockwise and the cylinder catch pulls rearward toward the grip frame. The serial # I believe to be #476, as it is stamped on the frame and cylinder catch. A second #, which I believe to be US military #, is stamped on the butt of the grip frame, 22 079. Any light that you could shed on this pistol would be greatly appreciated......Phil

PS. I will upload photo's when I figure out how to do it....Thanks

 

[Jim K]

The gun could be either the 1889 Navy or an early Army & Navy model. If the butt is not marked as Army or USN, it is a civilian gun, and the butt serial should be right at the front of the grip bottom and be in two lines. Are the slots for the locking bolt on the back of the cylinder (1889) or on the side (1892 and on)?

On the civilian guns, the butt number is the serial; the crane and frame numbers are assembly numbers. (Before I get "corrected", Colt later changed procedures and put the serial number in those locations.)

If the gun is an 1889, it was made in 1892; if it is the A&N, it was made in 1895.

Jim