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Thread: old Colt identification

  1. #1
    Boolit Master



    atr's Avatar
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    old Colt identification

    I need some help to identify this Colt...it was my grandfathers and I estimate he purchased it sometime between 1914 and 1920

    on the top of the barrel is printed
    COLT'S PT F A MFG CO HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.
    PATENTED AUG.5.1885 NOV.6.88 MAR.5.95.

    on the left side of the barrel is printed
    COLT. D.A. 38

    serial numbers on the butt are 255
    559
    B 22

    it has a 6" barrel / Blade & Notch sights
    so....what is this....and what was it originally designed to shoot?
    ......my estimate is that is an 1895 New Army .38 Long Colt
    thanks guys
    UPDATED: I found another source which tells me that this is a "second issue" 1895 New Army and that it was chambered for the .38 Special.....
    I have been shooting 125gr cast light loads in the revolver
    Last edited by atr; 09-30-2010 at 07:27 PM.

  2. #2
    Boolit Grand Master
    Mk42gunner's Avatar
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    atr,

    Nice revolver. I know next to nothing about these old Colt .38's; but I think you are right that it is chambered for the .38 Long Colt. I have never heard if these are safe for smokeless loads or not, but I would not want to destroy my Grandfather's gun.

    With the time it has been in your family, I would spring for a factory letter for it. I am not sure if those are available from Colt or the Buffalo Bill Museum.


    Robert

  3. #3
    In Remebrance


    Bret4207's Avatar
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    I'm sure there are Colt collectors sites on the net that could give you the definitive answer, but AFAIK that's a 38 Long Colt, yes.

  4. #4
    Boolit Master
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    It looks like a "New Army / New Navy" and most likely is a 38 Colt long
    "Investment" is the new "Throw money at it!"

    Detectives, and Cobras, and Agents!
    Oh my!

  5. #5
    Boolit Master

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    http://proofhouse.com/

    has a section for colt dating of serial numbers. might be some good reading and help to date.

  6. #6
    Boolit Master



    atr's Avatar
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    thanks jt.....that reference you gave me was VERY helpful,,,it indicates that this Colt was manufactured between 1905 and 1906
    my reference book indicates that this would be a "second issue" Colt, and that the
    .38 special was introduced in 1904......

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