Orig. '51 Navy Mfg date??

[kaac1221]

I have an original '51 Navy Colt, serial number 13XXX but don't have any info on when it was made. I understand that there was a fire at the Colt factory in the early 1860's and some paperwork was destroyed. I would really like to know when this gun was made since the serial no. indicates that it may have been an early production. It does have a small trigger guard, and is in fair condition.

Thanks in advance for any info.

Dryball

 

[necchi]

Looks like your right, Colt only has records for the 1851 Navy with ser#'s from 98,000-132,000.

 

[Redstick Lee]

Factory fire was 1864 (February) so divide the 1st 98,000 1851s by the number of months, variable by mfg. capacity per month between 10/51 & 2/64.......

there's some formula somewhere that should get you close

or, visit the colt percussion forum where people that have studied this hang out

 

[kaac1221]

After logging off the other day I had this brainstorm: Contact Colt Collectors Assn! Checked their Model Index. Didn't find a mfg date but learned that this gun is a 3rd Model, small trigger guard,(the previous models had the square back trigger guards) Serial number range 4,200-85,000. Kinda felt like a pauper on that site. These guys and gals were talking Walkers Dragoons & Pattersons. Oh well....

 

[necchi]

Kinda felt like a pauper on that site.

Step up,,
They can't shut ya down any harder then beens done here,
You have the gun in hand,, tell'm what ya have :applause:

 

[kaac1221]

I was just a visitor to the site and not a member so I couldn't ask any questions. You know, log in, password etc. However,looking at the serial number range I am going to guess that my gun was made in either 1852 or 1853. And that's good enough for this old guy. At least for now.

Thanks for your reply!

Dryball