Gator
Member
The GCA of '68 mandated serial numbers on long guns. Serial numbers on handguns have been required since the NFA 0f '34, but most companies had been numbering their handguns before that.
Found a Pistol in a Car, in a garage, from 1934!
- Thread starter Leedavisone
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The GCA of '68 mandated serial numbers on long guns. Serial numbers on handguns have been required since the NFA 0f '34, but most companies had been numbering their handguns before that.
Look at the thumbpiece that you pull backwards to release the cylinder (the cllinder latch). The numbers that were stamped in front of the checkered/vertical part have been filed off, and obviously so. I also think if you put a straightedge along the bottom of the butt you will find where it was filed toward the front.
At least the patent dates have established that it was made sometime between 1895 and 1905 (dates approximate.) I think the serial number is between 15,126 and 255,126.
At least the patent dates have established that it was made sometime between 1895 and 1905 (dates approximate.) I think the serial number is between 15,126 and 255,126.
Kali Endgame
member
You didn't find Jimmy in the trunk, did you? Just curious.
I don't think Colt ever made guns without SS's in those days... part of their 'pride in craftsmanship' ethic. They may have made no ssn # guns for Uncle Sam at some point.
The caliber is antiquated... no telling where it's been... without SOME numbers, even Colt can't tell you for certain.
The caliber is antiquated... no telling where it's been... without SOME numbers, even Colt can't tell you for certain.
The_Antibubba
Member
If it was made early enough, you might not even have a Firearm!
Sistema1927
Member
I second the suggestion that you go see Ron Peterson:
4418 Central Ave Se
Albuquerque, NM 87108
(505) 255-8695
(This is west of San Mateo at Washington.)
You might want to call first to see if Ron is in. He has pretty good staff, but I think that you are going to have to see Ron personally to get the full scoop on this revolver. Tell him ths story about how you came by the gun, he will love that provenance. BTW, Ron is sometimes the firearms expert on Antiques Roadshow, and he knows his stuff.
4418 Central Ave Se
Albuquerque, NM 87108
(505) 255-8695
(This is west of San Mateo at Washington.)
You might want to call first to see if Ron is in. He has pretty good staff, but I think that you are going to have to see Ron personally to get the full scoop on this revolver. Tell him ths story about how you came by the gun, he will love that provenance. BTW, Ron is sometimes the firearms expert on Antiques Roadshow, and he knows his stuff.
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loisfromcenterfire
Member
I'm an REO (the band) fan also. The band is actually from Champaign. My husband's cousin, Terry Luttrell was in the band for years, dropped out and was replaced by Kevin Cronin.
(http://www.speedwagon.com/band/terry.html)
Terry Luttrell was replaced as REO Speedwagon's lead vocalist after recording REO's first album, and hooked up with Starcastle, another act out of Champaign, Illinois. Like many bands (including REO), Starcastle's initial de rigueur could be distilled into two components: play lots of cover songs and get as many gigs as you can.
Lois
Hemicuda
member
Loisfromcenterfire...
The song "157 Riverside Avenue" is a Chicago address, (been there, seen it) and is a self-story from the band... I have met Kevin Cronin many times, and even have one of his guitars on my wall...
yes, originally they were from Champaigne (SP) but by the time they got their break, they were in Chicago...
The song "157 Riverside Avenue" is a Chicago address, (been there, seen it) and is a self-story from the band... I have met Kevin Cronin many times, and even have one of his guitars on my wall...
yes, originally they were from Champaigne (SP) but by the time they got their break, they were in Chicago...
DonP
Member
Same bad habits here
Guns and old, odd cars.
It's much easier to convince the wife that the latest C&R long gun purchase is "something I've had for years" than it is to convince her that the car that mysteriously appears in the driveway followed me home.
I'm now down to one 1962 Triumph TR-3 B in need of a new clutch and overall cleaning up. It's in the spare bay in my garage, the bay that I painted the floor black on, so the British oil leaks don't show as much.
But .... if I came across an interesting "wing fendered" MG, say a TD, TF or a nice Magnette sedan or coupe, in need of a good home, I'd probably be right back in trouble.
Guns and old, odd cars.
It's much easier to convince the wife that the latest C&R long gun purchase is "something I've had for years" than it is to convince her that the car that mysteriously appears in the driveway followed me home.
I'm now down to one 1962 Triumph TR-3 B in need of a new clutch and overall cleaning up. It's in the spare bay in my garage, the bay that I painted the floor black on, so the British oil leaks don't show as much.
But .... if I came across an interesting "wing fendered" MG, say a TD, TF or a nice Magnette sedan or coupe, in need of a good home, I'd probably be right back in trouble.
Hemicuda
member
Didn't Terry Luttrell leave in early 1972, for a band that kinda flopped, called Star Castle or something like that?
and to keep it gun-related, the Kevin Cronin guitar I have is bright blue, with a stylized 6-gun on the pickguard... (a custom pickguard on a Fender Strat...)
and to keep it gun-related, the Kevin Cronin guitar I have is bright blue, with a stylized 6-gun on the pickguard... (a custom pickguard on a Fender Strat...)
bogie
Member
Idea... Clean it up a little (restore it!), and put it in a nice case with the story of how you found it... Then, when you take the REO to a car show, chain the case to the steering wheel...
loisfromcenterfire
Member
reo
Oh yeah, Terry left before the second album. I remember watching the band in Champaign long before anyone knew their names. It makes sense about getting a good break out of Chicago but the band is still from Champaign. The Red Lion was one of their hot spots. In the late 70's, the band would still invite Terry on stage to sing with them when they played at Assembly Hall in Champaign. It's good to know I'm not the only REO fan still out there.
Lois
Oh yeah, Terry left before the second album. I remember watching the band in Champaign long before anyone knew their names. It makes sense about getting a good break out of Chicago but the band is still from Champaign. The Red Lion was one of their hot spots. In the late 70's, the band would still invite Terry on stage to sing with them when they played at Assembly Hall in Champaign. It's good to know I'm not the only REO fan still out there.
Lois
Keith Wheeler
Member
Very cool find!
The only gun related stuff I've found in any of my "old car" projects was a box of .222 Remington in my 1969 Series IIa Land Rover 109 Safari. Why are the Brits like that? It's either a really easy name, like MGB or TR-8 (yep we've got those too) or something like "Austin Healy Bugeye Sprite".
I'm lucky. Mine likes guns and cars. The TR-8 is hers.
The only gun related stuff I've found in any of my "old car" projects was a box of .222 Remington in my 1969 Series IIa Land Rover 109 Safari. Why are the Brits like that? It's either a really easy name, like MGB or TR-8 (yep we've got those too) or something like "Austin Healy Bugeye Sprite".
I'm lucky. Mine likes guns and cars. The TR-8 is hers.
That gun should have a number and if you can't find it then I suspect it has been removed.
That makes the gun illegal under federal law and you are supposed to surrender it to law enforcement. You can do what you like but if the gun is discovered by any cop it will be confiscated and in theory (likely not in practice) you could be prosecuted. I think any gun dealer/smith would also be required to notify police if they spot this gun.
The ATF has a system for restoring serial numbers but it's usually used in cases of stolen guns being returned to owner with numbers ground off to make them legal again.
That makes the gun illegal under federal law and you are supposed to surrender it to law enforcement. You can do what you like but if the gun is discovered by any cop it will be confiscated and in theory (likely not in practice) you could be prosecuted. I think any gun dealer/smith would also be required to notify police if they spot this gun.
The ATF has a system for restoring serial numbers but it's usually used in cases of stolen guns being returned to owner with numbers ground off to make them legal again.
Steve H
Member
Neat find..................I'm still looking for my mind.............no idea when/where I lost it.
Omaha-BeenGlockin
Member
Too bad every new car doesn't include a gun in stash compartment
sumpnz
Member
SaxonPig - It's entirely possible that what the OP has is not legally a firearm. Based on the patent dates it was produced between 1895-1905. If it were made between 1895-1897 it would be classified as antique and therefore not legally a firearm. At that point serial number rules would not apply. Since it's manufacture can be dated to prior to 1934 (pre-NFA) there may be no serial number requirement even it was made between 1898-1905. Of course, IANAL.
Even if made before 1934 the law made it illegal to own a gun with a defaced serial therefore this gun is illegal. I don't think arguing that it was defaced prior to the enactment of the law would be a valid defense even if you could prove it which you can't.
As for antique status that may be a possibility but I am not sure if being made before 1898 would mean defacing the serial is meaningless.
As for antique status that may be a possibility but I am not sure if being made before 1898 would mean defacing the serial is meaningless.
Leedavisone
Member
What gun?
This is Lee, the original thread starter. What gun? I have a REO, but I know nothing about any gun. But just in case, anyone have some .41 long colt ammo? I'm not going to tell anyone what I found in my 1915 Hupmobile... LBD
This is Lee, the original thread starter. What gun? I have a REO, but I know nothing about any gun. But just in case, anyone have some .41 long colt ammo? I'm not going to tell anyone what I found in my 1915 Hupmobile... LBD
Pics of both would be cool! Please tell me you are going to restore the car, and not just do the usual 350SBC thing everyone else does. I can't imagine there are many 34 REOs still around, and getting it on the road with the original powertrain would be just cool.
Leedavisone
Member
Another Car story from my trades...
Being a restorer of antique cars, I am always on the hunt for a good restorable vintage auto. Preferably complete, never molested (and by that, I mean "restored"), and in reasonable shape. Two years ago, I bought a 1930 Packard 700 series from a guy in Tulsa. He had spent several years trying to get it out of impound from the Hot Springs, Arkansas Police Department.
Here's the story: It was bought by some Chicago mob members. All Packards of the period would have the VIN number, date, and purchaser's name stamped on the firewall data plate. This one had nothing. A blank data plate. I suppose the buyers wanted to remain incognito. As far as I know, it is the only existing car of any kind to have a blank original data plate. It was impounded by the HSPD in the late '30's, or '40's supposedly because it was involved in some crime. When the guy finally got the HSPD to release it, it had been there for (as I understand it), well over half a century. They snipped fabric samples from the rear seat upholstery to test the stains, and see if they were blood. (I don't know the result). I kept the car for a few years, then sold it to a fellow in Michigan... it was just too rough a restoration job. Under the hood, it was perfect though. Those guys from Chicago just didn't leave their pistols in their cars though... LBD
Being a restorer of antique cars, I am always on the hunt for a good restorable vintage auto. Preferably complete, never molested (and by that, I mean "restored"), and in reasonable shape. Two years ago, I bought a 1930 Packard 700 series from a guy in Tulsa. He had spent several years trying to get it out of impound from the Hot Springs, Arkansas Police Department.
Here's the story: It was bought by some Chicago mob members. All Packards of the period would have the VIN number, date, and purchaser's name stamped on the firewall data plate. This one had nothing. A blank data plate. I suppose the buyers wanted to remain incognito. As far as I know, it is the only existing car of any kind to have a blank original data plate. It was impounded by the HSPD in the late '30's, or '40's supposedly because it was involved in some crime. When the guy finally got the HSPD to release it, it had been there for (as I understand it), well over half a century. They snipped fabric samples from the rear seat upholstery to test the stains, and see if they were blood. (I don't know the result). I kept the car for a few years, then sold it to a fellow in Michigan... it was just too rough a restoration job. Under the hood, it was perfect though. Those guys from Chicago just didn't leave their pistols in their cars though... LBD
Leedavisone
Member
I shall restore the REO
It is my intention to restore the REO to Original. I am a purist, I suppose. I have a spare 6 cylinder flathead Continental engine, and two spare transmissions. There are 16 existing '34 Flying Clouds, but only a few on the road. The mid thirties REO's were about the most "gangsterish" looking of any car. Here is a picture of a 1935 Flying Cloud, essentially unchanged from the 1934. In 1936, Ransom Olds lost control of the company that he had run for 31 years... the board of directors wanted to drop the cars and make only trucks... He quit the company. They made trucks only after that, sold out to Diamond T (became Diamond REO), then sold out to White. But the Flying Cloud name (Named after the famous clipper ship... a favorite of Olds) lived on in the form of gas powered lawn mowers in the 1950's, a division of White. Fortunatly, Colt fared better... Lee Davis
It is my intention to restore the REO to Original. I am a purist, I suppose. I have a spare 6 cylinder flathead Continental engine, and two spare transmissions. There are 16 existing '34 Flying Clouds, but only a few on the road. The mid thirties REO's were about the most "gangsterish" looking of any car. Here is a picture of a 1935 Flying Cloud, essentially unchanged from the 1934. In 1936, Ransom Olds lost control of the company that he had run for 31 years... the board of directors wanted to drop the cars and make only trucks... He quit the company. They made trucks only after that, sold out to Diamond T (became Diamond REO), then sold out to White. But the Flying Cloud name (Named after the famous clipper ship... a favorite of Olds) lived on in the form of gas powered lawn mowers in the 1950's, a division of White. Fortunatly, Colt fared better... Lee Davis
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