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Ok here we go. First this is not a 36 Navy It is an 1860 Colt Army 44 Caliber. Note the rebated cylinder and shoulder stock 4 screw frame. It is a Third Series Known as the Signature Series.
The serial numbers picked up where the original 1860s guns left off.Colt´s Manufacturing Company, Inc. Is the previous manufacturer of 2nd Generation Colt percussion revolvers located in Hartford, CT. Colt used subcontractors to supply rough castings for the manufacture of these black powder pistols.
Quality of Colt SAA 2nd and 3rd Gen and Colt BP revolvers I’m a Swedish Reenactor, CAS enthusiast and black powder shooter (with the MLAIC) and I’m going to by me a cap and ball revolver and a SAA revolver.
Throughout the production years 1971-1982, these rough castings were produced in Italy and the reproductions were completed in the United States. Initially, Val Forgett and Navy Arms provided these parts/components during 1971-73. Lou Imperato supplied these parts from 1974 to 1976. In both instances, these revolvers were assembled and finished in Colt´s facilities in Connecticut. Finally, from 1978 to 1982, Colt subcontracted both parts procurement and final production to Lou Imperato and Iver Johnson Arms in Middlesex, NJ. Colt percussion revolvers produced by Iver Johnson had frames, center pins, nipples, and screws manufactured in the United States.
In all instances, these revolvers were manufactured in accordance with Colt´s strict specifications and quality control. Additionally, Colt´s performed final inspection for all models. All percussion models manufactured from 1971 through 1982, either by Colt or its subcontractor, are regarded as authentic Colt pistols and not Italian replicas.The Colt Custom Shop also produced a limited number of special editions through the early 1990s from 2nd Generation production inventory.The 'C' Series 2nd gen.sCOLT´S MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.: 'C' SERIES These Colt percussion revolvers were reintroduced in 1971 (1851 Navy) and 1974 (3rd Model Dragoon). Both models were discontinued in late 1976 (no reference is made to them in either the 1977 Colt Catalog or Colt Price List).
The 1851 Navy and Third Model Dragoon were the only models to be produced in both the 'C' Series and 'F' Series configurations. While the fit and finish of both series is of the highest quality, the difference is unmistakable. The 'C' Series has a beautiful bright 'Royal Blue' finish while the 'F' Series has a more durable dark 'Colt Blue' finish. Another distinguishing feature is the serial number range (4201 to 25099 for the 'C' Series 1851 Navy and 20901 to 25099 for the 'C' Series Third Model Dragoon).The 'F' SeriesCOLT´S MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.: 'F' SERIES Production of these revolvers began in November 1978 with the 1860 Army and continued with the release of the various models described below until all production ceased in November 1982. Special Edition and Limited Edition models continued to be issued from the Colt Custom Shop inventory through the mid-1990s. Rumors persist, even at this late date, that a few in-the-white specimens are still hidden away at Colt´s. 'F' Series revolvers were produced with a durable dark 'Colt Blue' finish while the 'C' Series finish is a more lustrous 'Royal Blue.'
COLT BLACKPOWDER ARMS CO. Previous manufacturer and retailer of 3rd Generation Colt Black Powder pistols and muskets located in Brooklyn, NY 1994-2002.All 3rd Generation Colt black powder models are also referred to as Signature Series Models.A reprise of the original Colt Black powder line, along with historic models not offered in the 2nd Generation, and a new series of Commemoratives, each model (with the exception of the Heirloom Tiffany 1860 Army and 1842 Texas Paterson) bears the Sam Colt signature on the back strap. These 3rd Generation models were manufactured under an authorized licensing agreement with Colt Firearms by Colt Black powder Arms Company – the same company (and many of the same craftsmen) responsible for the 2nd Generation Colt revolvers. Although parts for the Signature Series were cast in Italy, they were fully assembled and hand finished in the United States using the proprietary Colt formulas for bluing and color case hardening.Colt Black powder Arms Company Signature Series revolvers are regarded as authentic Colt pistols. The 3rd Generation models have original Colt markings, including the barrel address and serial number stampings. There are no foreign proof marks on these authentic Colt models.
Ok here we go. First this is not a 36 Navy It is an 1860 Colt Army 44 Caliber. Note the rebated cylinder and shoulder stock 4 screw frame. It is a Third Series Known as the Signature Series. The serial numbers picked up where the original 1860s guns left off.Colt´s Manufacturing Company, Inc. Is the previous manufacturer of 2nd Generation Colt percussion revolvers located in Hartford, CT. Colt used subcontractors to supply rough castings for the manufacture of these black powder pistols.
Throughout the production years 1971-1982, these rough castings were produced in Italy and the reproductions were completed in the United States. Initially, Val Forgett and Navy Arms provided these parts/components during 1971-73.
Lou Imperato supplied these parts from 1974 to 1976. In both instances, these revolvers were assembled and finished in Colt´s facilities in Connecticut.
Finally, from 1978 to 1982, Colt subcontracted both parts procurement and final production to Lou Imperato and Iver Johnson Arms in Middlesex, NJ. Colt percussion revolvers produced by Iver Johnson had frames, center pins, nipples, and screws manufactured in the United States. In all instances, these revolvers were manufactured in accordance with Colt´s strict specifications and quality control. Additionally, Colt´s performed final inspection for all models.
All percussion models manufactured from 1971 through 1982, either by Colt or its subcontractor, are regarded as authentic Colt pistols and not Italian replicas.The Colt Custom Shop also produced a limited number of special editions through the early 1990s from 2nd Generation production inventory.The 'C' Series 2nd gen.sCOLT´S MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.: 'C' SERIES These Colt percussion revolvers were reintroduced in 1971 (1851 Navy) and 1974 (3rd Model Dragoon). Both models were discontinued in late 1976 (no reference is made to them in either the 1977 Colt Catalog or Colt Price List). The 1851 Navy and Third Model Dragoon were the only models to be produced in both the 'C' Series and 'F' Series configurations. While the fit and finish of both series is of the highest quality, the difference is unmistakable.
The 'C' Series has a beautiful bright 'Royal Blue' finish while the 'F' Series has a more durable dark 'Colt Blue' finish. Another distinguishing feature is the serial number range (4201 to 25099 for the 'C' Series 1851 Navy and 20901 to 25099 for the 'C' Series Third Model Dragoon).The 'F' SeriesCOLT´S MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.: 'F' SERIES Production of these revolvers began in November 1978 with the 1860 Army and continued with the release of the various models described below until all production ceased in November 1982. Special Edition and Limited Edition models continued to be issued from the Colt Custom Shop inventory through the mid-1990s. Rumors persist, even at this late date, that a few in-the-white specimens are still hidden away at Colt´s.
'F' Series revolvers were produced with a durable dark 'Colt Blue' finish while the 'C' Series finish is a more lustrous 'Royal Blue.' COLT BLACKPOWDER ARMS CO.
![Generation Generation](/uploads/1/2/7/6/127660767/107336626.jpg)
Previous manufacturer and retailer of 3rd Generation Colt Black Powder pistols and muskets located in Brooklyn, NY 1994-2002.All 3rd Generation Colt black powder models are also referred to as Signature Series Models.A reprise of the original Colt Black powder line, along with historic models not offered in the 2nd Generation, and a new series of Commemoratives, each model (with the exception of the Heirloom Tiffany 1860 Army and 1842 Texas Paterson) bears the Sam Colt signature on the back strap. These 3rd Generation models were manufactured under an authorized licensing agreement with Colt Firearms by Colt Black powder Arms Company – the same company (and many of the same craftsmen) responsible for the 2nd Generation Colt revolvers. Although parts for the Signature Series were cast in Italy, they were fully assembled and hand finished in the United States using the proprietary Colt formulas for bluing and color case hardening.Colt Black powder Arms Company Signature Series revolvers are regarded as authentic Colt pistols. The 3rd Generation models have original Colt markings, including the barrel address and serial number stampings. There are no foreign proof marks on these authentic Colt models.The Firearms Forum is on online community for all gun enthusiasts. Join us to discuss firearms of all kinds, gun accessories, legal issues and more. Membership is free and we welcome all types of shooters, whether you're a novice or a pro.
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This is a very interesting gun. My background: pawnshop manager of huge pawnshop in Denver, now in WV, where I acquired the gun.This is an 1851 Navy with the serial number 22343, which makes it made in 1853. There is no brass on this gun. It is a steel trigger guard model with the squared off rear of the trigger guard. Every frame piece is marked with the full 22343, except the barrel and the back strap, which is marked 2343. The barrel is marked on the end, with a small c and then 243.
![Number Number](http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb77/USFASAA/211407S.jpg)
The last owner got it from a man that said he bought it because the serial number is one off from his 223-44-xxxx, and he considered it lucky. He engraved, very small, to help if it got stolen, his name and soc sec number. Yeah, I know, he probably killed a lot of value, but.I have NEVER seen a gun this old in this shape except at the Gun Room in Denver, in their display cases. I have compared the cylinder scene to others, as well as every brand of reproduction, and it is absolutely perfect to an original. The engraving is not overly deep, but is PERFECTLY consistent, something the reproduce shops don't do, or they engrave it too deep.
Every line lines up to pictures and examples of an original, like they would have had to have had the original roll plates to fake this.The loading lever, in my humble opinion, looks replaced, and has no serial markings, although some didn't, because of their known breakage.there is no capping channel. I went to college for cad machining, and the rear of the frame where the cylinder meets as well as the cylinder rod are old styles of machining.the top of the barrel says 'ADDRESS SAM L COLT NEW-YORK CITY'.I just removed the grips, and on the back of the frame, left side, running vertically from bottom to top is also the same 'c 243'. 'c 243' is also on the left side of the trigger guard assembly, where the main spring screws to the trigger grip assembly. 'COLTS PATENT' is stamped on the left side of the frame.Everything is really crisp about this gun. I would like to find out if it is real, and if so, in this condition, what it would be worth if I were to sell it.I will post or send photos if I get some serious responses here.I am trying to come up with a down for a house and I hope this puts me further toward that goal.Thank you in advance.Mark. Well, how about this: The stamps used to make those serial numbers use a font a century or so too late to be used on a genuine 1851 Colt.The trigger guard shows signs of cutting and welding, then silver plating. It most likely was a standard brass guard.Next look at the rifling.
An original will have gain twist rifling, a repro will have conventional rifling.The barrel marking is wrong, too widely spaced and the font is wrong. The 'Colt's Patent' marking is also wrong.Check around the side of the barrel toward the back to see if there are signs of a filed or ground area that could have had the words 'Black Powder Only' or 'Made in Italy'.In my humble opinion, you have a hoked up repro, though a nice looking one. $250-300 maybe.Jim.The Firearms Forum is on online community for all gun enthusiasts. Join us to discuss firearms of all kinds, gun accessories, legal issues and more.
Membership is free and we welcome all types of shooters, whether you're a novice or a pro. Come for the info, stay and make some friends.
Site Functions. Useful Links. Support the site!We work hard to bring the best Firearms Forum has to offer! Unlock additional features, and fewer ads while browsing.Consider upgrading your membership for less than a box of bullets!
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