Original Colt Single action ID ?

[owlcreekok]

No pic, yet.

It is a Colt. Not a new one. The owner's great grandfather had it as a Texas Ranger (documented). He has the gun and the leather rig grandpa wore.

Markings are:

'Colts PT.FA.'

'Pat 1871'

'102214'

It appears to need a firing pin (was affixed-pinned to hammer). Muzzle shows signs of a relatively crude chop job, but likely during the era the gun was "modern".

Any help or direction in ID of the gun, it's age or exactly what model it is so as to try to restore it's functionaltiy. (not that he wants to shoot it, just have it complete)

TIA

[tracyballard]

seems to have been made in 1884.

[elbo]

Originally posted by owlcreekok
No pic, yet.
No pic, yet.

[Brian in MN]

The leather might be more interesting than the gun. Don't oil the leather.

Can you post pics of both?

[TideWater 41009]

Originally posted by Brian in MN
The leather might be more interesting than the gun. Don't oil the leather.

Can you post pics of both?

Brian, what should one do with the old leather? I have a holster that must be at least 100 years old. The leather is still good, but it is very dry. What should be used?

Thanks.

[aardq]

He should get a Colt factory letter. It will tell the date shipped, who it was shipped to, the finish, caliber, barrel length, type of grips, etc. Cost of the letter should be around the $100 mark, but will increase the value of the gun by more than that.

The firing pin and other parts can be found at several sources. Dixie Gun Works may be the best. (www.dixiegunworks.com)

Colt Historical Dept.
Colt manufacturing Co. Inc.
P.O. Box 1868
Hartford, CN 06144

1-860-236-6311

[SWOHFAL]

Originally posted by TideWater 41009


Brian, what should one do with the old leather? I have a holster that must be at least 100 years old. The leather is still good, but it is very dry. What should be used?

Thanks.

I've heard glycerin, water and alcohol mixed help, but have no idea what ratio.

Try this:

http://nautarch.tamu.edu/class/anth605/File7.htm#Smithsonian%20Glycerin%20Treatment

[MAINER]

Owl, the Hammer/firing pin shown at Dixie would likely work but I don't think it is the right configuration for a "Blackpowder" era Colt. Pretty sure they had a "conel" shaped firing pin unlike what we see today. Also, I would not want to replace the entire hammer on a historical Colt.
http://www.dixiegunworks.com/default.php?cPath=22_94_259_266

These folks are the best that I know of.
I believe part #1050990W should be what your friend needs.
http://www.peacemakerspecialists.com/parts.html
Note: Sound on an crank up the volume! :biggrin:

Just read a book by Robert M Utley called "Lone Star Justice". Tells the history of the first 100 years of the Rangers. Good read.

[Brian in MN]

Neutral shoe polish. Holsters are supposed to be shiny like shoes. If you oil them they will never again shine and your collector value will evaporate. You simply cannot undo an oil job. It is also best not to stress any of that old stitching. The thread will be rotten from age. I believe, though cannot prove it, that the tanning chemicals in the leather break down the natural fiber (prly cotton or wool) thread over time.

[SmokeEater2]

Originally posted by aardq
He should get a Colt factory letter. It will tell the date shipped, who it was shipped to, the finish, caliber, barrel length, type of grips, etc. Cost of the letter should be around the $100 mark, but will increase the value of the gun by more than that.

The firing pin and other parts can be found at several sources. Dixie Gun Works may be the best. (www.dixiegunworks.com)

Colt Historical Dept.
Colt manufacturing Co. Inc.
P.O. Box 1868
Hartford, CN 06144

1-860-236-6311



+100 on the factory letter,well worth the cost for resale or insurance purposes.

Now,wheres them dang pics? :biggrin:

[owlcreekok]

Odd how some folks think.

I talked to the guy about taking a few pics yesterday. He emailed me this morning and said he would rather not do that as he is afraid that posting pics of it up on the internet may be "too risky". :confused:

Some folks are just a little different I suppose.

Thanks guys. He seems very happy to have gotten the feedback I gave him. All I can offer the group is that which I am sure only you can appreciate.

Handling that Colt and looking at it is far and away "different" than handling a modern copy of one. No, we can't explain just why, but it is.

:beer:

[tracyballard]

no problemo! and, I have an extra tinfoil hat handy, if needed.;)

[Brian in MN]

Originally posted by owlcreekok

Handling that Colt and looking at it is far and away "different" than handling a modern copy of one. No, we can't explain just why, but it is.

:beer:


Ain't that the everloving truth? Same is true of the old gun leather. Even the really good modern copies just are not the same. I have actually worn some real stuff. Only because I am pretty lean by modern standards. Most of that stuff was made for some pretty little people. Watched an old episode of Mail Call last night and the "expert" on the civil war claimed that you could not get into the Union cavalry if you weighed more than 140 pounds. :eek: People were smaller 125 years ago.

[owlcreekok]

Amazing you should bring that up, Brian. I have noticed WW2, WW1 as well as 1870-1890 period uniforms. Almost looks like midget clothes.

[bykerhd]

I think Colt has some gaps in their records. A fire in the 1890s maybe ?
Could be wrong. If they DO have the original information on that revolver, it could really help with the value.
Especially if it showed the revolver being shipped either to the Texas Rangers, or to THAT Texas ranger.

[aardq]

There are only a few gaps and Colt should be contacted to find out. There used to be no charge if no records were available.

Dan

[BUFF]

Owl:

What chambering was the old SAA?

[tracyballard]

I'll guess .44-40

[owlcreekok]

Originally posted by BUFF
Owl:

What chambering was the old SAA?

I did not do any measuring. Looked like a .45

[randy762ak]

I inherited a Colt Peacemaker from my DAD.
It was used by the san antinio Police dept and has SAPD on the butt.
I also suggest contacting colt for info. Also ask them - WHO do they recomend to do work on it - I think you have a canadate for a restoration with the cut off barrell and broken fireing pin

[denny]

Expensive but none better Doug Turnbull restorations.
Denny