Grips on Diamondback question.

[Jim NE]

Why are the grips on my Colt Diamondback signed (and apparently dated) on the inside of the panel? Is it a common thing to do that if the gun has reproduction or refinished grips, or if the gun is reblued? Or was somebody just marking the gun as his in case of theft? I've seen one other set of original grips online that were signed...most others aren't. Mine are the oversized grips that are sometimes referred to as "target grips." (They're like the ones below.) Thanks.

 

[Gordon]

would need a picture of other side to comment

 

[Jim NE]

Somebody signed their name and dated it. Since I don't know the context of the signature, I'd rather not reveal the name of that person without their knowledge, so no photos. I searched the name online to see if it might be someone who specialized in grips, refinishing or rebluing, but found nothing. The gun genuinely doesn't look reblued. I should mention that one of the medallions is not quite aligned with the medallion on the other grip panel, so it could be that the grips are non-original or that someone removed or replaced the medallion not quite right.

I was mostly trying to figure out whether this type of signature was a commonly found mark that indicated work done on a gun, but so far that doesn't seem to be the case. I guess I should be glad this person didn't carve their initials on the frame. If it bothers me enough I can get another set of grips, but as you know, those grips are expensive if original. Id probably trying to lightly sand the marks off, first. It's not carved in the interior panels, but signed with a sharpie.

 

[Sam1911]

If it's done in Sharpie marker you'd have to sand off a lot of wood to get that ink out of the fibers. If you're concerned about how expensive the grips are (i.e.: their value) then I wouldn't sand anything, even on the inside. What's done is done and trying to undo it won't make the situation any better.

 

[Jim NE]

If it's done in Sharpie marker you'd have to sand off a lot of wood to get that ink out of the fibers. If you're concerned about how expensive the grips are (i.e.: their value) then I wouldn't sand anything, even on the inside. What's done is done and trying to undo it won't make the situation any better.

Yeah, I think I'll leave it be. With my luck, I'll remove the name and it will turn out that the guy who signed the gun was Ronald Reagan's personal bodyguard or something. To follow up on the medallions not being quite aligned with each other, I looked online and found several other Diamondbacks with the same issue, to one degree or another. Kind of surprising, really. Not a dig deal, however.

I really like the gun...it's quite accurate, and though it's in nice shape, I've put about three hundred rounds through it so far. The gun was not drop dead mint, but hadn't been used much before I got it - the action was a little stiff, even. I've lubed it and it's very smooth. Even at that, I'd say for, a gun of this type, I really prefer my S&W model 15's and pre-15's. The Diamonback's smaller size makes it not quite as good a fit for my hand.

As far as the grips go, if I end up shooting it more, what I might do is get some nicer aftermarket target grips that will move my middle finger down below the trigger guard. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[Starter52]

I shoot my D-frame Police Positive Special with a set of Sile rubber grips I bought off eBay for $10. They work great and are much more comfortable than the factory wood.

I've also found that a set of wood grips from a Detective Special work fine on a Diamondback.

 

[Jim NE]

Thanks Starter52

 

[Mizar]

Jim, short butt Colt DS and Diamondback use the same frame - i.e. they share the same grips. As for the grip medallions - just because something is expensive, doesn't mean that it is quality build (as you already found out). Colt OEM grips are just "middle of the road".

 

[FN in MT]

Be thankful whoever signed the grips...didn't sign his name with an electric pencil someplace on the gun! A VERY common practice in the 60's and 70's. Police Dept's had a program called Operation ID or something like that. They would lend you one of those electric engraving pens to put SSN's or DOB's, names etc...on items in your household. For easier ID if stolen.

I have seen some true Collector guns ruined in such a way. Recently saw a mint, pre 64 M-70 in .300 H&H with some jokers name engraved on the barrel!

Your guys signature is out of sight, out of mind. Be Thankful.

 

[jimbo555]

Why are the grips on my Colt Diamondback signed (and apparently dated) on the inside of the panel? Is it a common thing to do that if the gun has reproduction or refinished grips, or if the gun is reblued? Or was somebody just marking the gun as his in case of theft? I've seen one other set of original grips online that were signed...most others aren't. Mine are the oversized grips that are sometimes referred to as "target grips." (They're like the ones below.) Thanks.
View attachment 766907

Be thankful whoever signed the grips...didn't sign his name with an electric pencil someplace on the gun! A VERY common practice in the 60's and 70's. Police Dept's had a program called Operation ID or something like that. They would lend you one of those electric engraving pens to put SSN's or DOB's, names etc...on items in your household. For easier ID if stolen.

I have seen some true Collector guns ruined in such a way. Recently saw a mint, pre 64 M-70 in .300 H&H with some jokers name engraved on the barrel!

Your guys signature is out of sight, out of mind. Be Thankful.

 

[jimbo555]

My colt cobra made in 1955 has the last 3 digits of the serial number written in pencil inside both grips. No signature.

 

[Jim NE]

Be thankful whoever signed the grips...didn't sign his name with an electric pencil someplace on the gun! A VERY common practice in the 60's and 70's. Police Dept's had a program called Operation ID or something like that...I have seen some true Collector guns ruined in such a way. Recently saw a mint, pre 64 M-70 in .300 H&H with some jokers name engraved on the barrel!

Your guys signature is out of sight, out of mind. Be Thankful.

I am thankful. My gun was made in 1968, right about the time you're talking about. The signature itself never really bothered me, though. It was just the confusion about what it might signify about the history of the gun. The date was fairly recent, so I think putting an ID mark on a gun was done in the least invasive way possible, as per the public's more informed approach to antiques nowadays. Also, people used to put SSN's on things like guns, with identity theft you don't see that now.