Colt 1849 Pocket? Trigger Spring

[desi23]

Thanks I'll definately check that out. I think the GCA of 1968 required import marks and serial numbers. Which is strange as this has a 1969 date code, though that may not have applied to blackpowder guns right away or their may have been a grace period.

IIRC the serial requirements of the 1968 Act were primarily for cartridge weapons, black powder guns whether original or reproduction were not even classed as firearms at that time (still aren't under Federal law, some states treat them as such though). Country of Origin was required on many imported products (not just guns) for many years though. Many older black powder imports have only the mandatory proof marks and some don't even have that as they were sold as kits (I.E. sold as parts, not a completed gun) though that changed over time (and probably liability concerns). ASM made a lot of the less common reproduction models at that time including the Colt Pockets and Dragoons. I would suspect that they are the most likely maker of a 1969 dated Pocket. I don't believe Uberti offered one until later in the 1970's and don't recall Pietta offering one at all (though they did offer the Remington pocket starting in the 70's). Some ASM parts are still available from various online sellers.

[Kyle M.]

Maybe look under loading lever on bottom of barrel, DGG?

Thanks never thought to look there. But no luck. I'll probably just have to get ambitious and make my own spring or talk to my gunsmith buddy when he opens back up.

[Oldgold]

I'm mis-remembring the year, but before the requirement for a gun to be marked with it's country of origin and/or import marks, there was no requirement for any such.

There should be, however, a "maker's marking" somewhere on your repro.

Here's the lowdown on Italian maker's markings: http://www.powderhombre.com/mbpproofmarks.pdf

.

Interesting. How do you date after 2003?

[Gtek]

Type in Italian gun date codes, quick run found up to 2010.

[KCSO]

Track may have the spring you need.

[sourdough]

New member here. Sorry to be late responding to your thread.

Your revolver is an Armi San Marco 1849 Pocket .31 with a fairly scarce part round/part octagonal barrel 6" (nearly all were produced with a full octagon barrel). To anyone even a bit familiar with ASM Pocket .31 revolvers, the obvious clues are the sloped screw shoulders at the rear of the trigger guard and the shape of the load lever at the rammer pivot.

I bought this one several years ago at auction (GB). It is an 1848 Pocket .31 marked Replica Arms El Paso Texas, date code XIX/1963, with no ASM markings. Dr. Jim L. Davis (RPRCA: Replica Percussion Revolver Collector Association, now defunct with Davis' passing last September) authenticated it as a first-year-of-production for ASM.

The first photo is that revolver.



The second photo is an ASM 1848 Pocket .31 that belongs to a friend on another forum.



Here is a current list of Italian date codes through 2030:



ASM went out of business in 2002. Most of their spare parts stock were purchased by VTI and Deer Creek. The parts available are about as scarce as hens' teeth. I would try an Uberti trigger/bolt spring (VTI or Taylor's) but it would most likely have to be fitted to your revolver.

Good luck with your endeavor!

Regards,

Jim

[edp2k]

Use a black metal binder clip and a file and/or dremel.

[sharps4590]

Amazing ingenuity in this thread. I'll be fortunate to remember some of the ideas if I need them in the future. It isn't my revolver but thanks to all of you!!

[sourdough]

Amazing ingenuity in this thread. I'll be fortunate to remember some of the ideas if I need them in the future. It isn't my revolver but thanks to all of you!!

I like your sig.

[sharps4590]

Well thanks sourdough! The first is obviously Voltaire'. He was kind of a scum bag actually. The second has been credited to Churchill. I have a large book of his quotes but can't remember if he actually said it or if it has been erroneously credited to him. Doesn't much matter, it gospel true.

[Mike 56]

Here is a link on makeing a bolt spring from a safety pin. https://www.thehighroad.org/index.ph...spring.623759/ there are guys that make trigger/bolt springs from music wire like Colt SA. It is considered a colt upgrade.