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Author Topic: Old Colt  (Read 7722 times)

shingman3682

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Old Colt
« on: December 06, 2009, 08:59:02 AM »
Hello, I am new to this forum and I might as well get my first question in by asking this. I have a colt pistol that my Grandfather left me. It has a 1897 patent on it. I have seen these on some sites and the guns just like this one has 1903 patent on it.Whats the differents in these pistols besides the patent dates?  Also,It only has 5% blueing left on it and it shoots great but would you reblue it even though it wound take from its value. I will never get rid of it because it was my Grandfathers.   Browning Patent--April 20,1897  Hartford Conn USA---32 Auto  Rimless
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Timothy

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Re: Old Colt
« Reply #1 on: December 06, 2009, 09:18:49 AM »
More info would be needed like model number, caliber, semi-auto pistol or a revolver?

When someone says pistol these days, I assume they mean an autoloader.  Browning was a very busy man with Colt during that timeframe, most of his work at the time was centered on auto loading semi-automatic pistols.
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Timothy

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Re: Old Colt
« Reply #2 on: December 06, 2009, 09:31:18 AM »
Better, pictures work...

I believe that is a Colt model 1903 Pocket Hammerless.  One that Browning holds a patent on, some part of the gun may have patented parts from the M1900 he designed in 1897 which may explain your markings.  

If I'm not mistaken, when they finally gunned down John Dillinger, he had one of those in his pocket...
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tombogan03884

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Re: Old Colt
« Reply #3 on: December 06, 2009, 10:26:55 AM »
I do not have a link for Colt factory letters or research but one of these sites might help you out.

http://www.browning.com/customerservice/dategun/index.asp

http://firearmresource.com/
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shingman3682

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Re: Old Colt
« Reply #4 on: December 06, 2009, 10:38:13 AM »
Thank you all for the reply.
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Sponsor

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Re: Old Colt
« Reply #5 on: Today at 02:07:12 PM »
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Hazcat

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Re: Old Colt
« Reply #5 on: December 06, 2009, 11:08:12 AM »
Colt Model 1903 Pocket
Q: I'd like some information on a Colt .32 auto that belonged to my late father for 25 years. It's stamped "Automatic Colt Calibre .32 Rimless, Smokeless." On the other side is "Patented Apr. 20 1897 Dec 22 1903 Colt's Pt FA Mfg. Co, Hartford CT USA 161070." A gunsmith told me that it's in 90 to 95 percent condition. What is its value? -- S.R., Lincoln, NE

A: Your Colt is a Model 1903 Pocket in .32 ACP caliber. This model was also available in .380 ACP (more desirable). The markings you describe are correct for the period of manufacture between 1910 and 1925. The serial number indicates this gun was manufactured circa 1914, the beginning of World War I. More than 500,000 1903 Pockets were manufactured in four different configurations between 1903 and 1946. Current value range is $400 to $450, assuming the condition you describe is original.

http://www.gunsandammomag.com/cs/Satellite/IMO_GA/Story_C/Identifications+%2526+Values%252C+July+2005
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All tipoes and misspelings are copi-righted.  Pleeze do not reuse without ritten persimmons  :D

blackwolfe

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Re: Old Colt
« Reply #6 on: December 06, 2009, 12:05:15 PM »
Welcome to the forum.  Go on over to the new member intro in the Down Range Cafe and introduce yourself. 

Nice pistol and history.  I would not refinish it.  I think the character it has now and the link to your granfather are best left untouched.
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PegLeg45

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Re: Old Colt
« Reply #7 on: December 06, 2009, 07:02:37 PM »
It's a beautiful piece of hardware, IMHO.
If it were mine, I would not alter or refinish it. I kinda like the look it has the way it is.....it looks like it has 'lived' through history.






As a side note, any of you guys see or read the article (American Hangunner, I think) where Bill Laughridge at Cylinder & Slide took a 1911 and made it look like the 1903? I can't find the article, but here is a link to the C&S site.

http://www.cylinder-slide.com/index.php?app=ccp0&ns=prodshow&ref=CSP901&sid=9it1kcq7igc6a6cekxo7t72ln71bez58

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"I expect perdition, I always have. I keep this building at my back, and several guns handy, in case perdition arrives in a form that's susceptible to bullets. I expect it will come in the disease form, though. I'm susceptible to diseases, and you can't shoot a damned disease." ~ Judge Roy Bean, Streets of Laredo

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twyacht

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Re: Old Colt
« Reply #8 on: December 06, 2009, 07:40:27 PM »
Welcome to DRTV, quite a great piece of Colt's history. Still a shooter only gives credit to its quality.

Keep it oiled, stick with standard load ammo, do not refinish it, and hand it down to your kids/grandkids. it will continue to work for another 100 years with routine use and maint.

Thanks for the pic. Send the specs to Colt, they are some of the best in archived pistol data/ history. May be able to tell you something about it you may not have known..

tw

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Thomas Jefferson: The strongest reason for the people to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against the tyranny of government. That is why our masters in Washington are so anxious to disarm us. They are not afraid of criminals. They are afraid of a populace which cannot be subdued by tyrants."
Col. Jeff Cooper.

tombogan03884

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Re: Old Colt
« Reply #9 on: December 06, 2009, 07:58:49 PM »
Quote from: PegLeg45 on December 06, 2009, 07:02:37 PM
It's a beautiful piece of hardware, IMHO.
If it were mine, I would not alter or refinish it. I kinda like the look it has the way it is.....it looks like it has 'lived' through history.






As a side note, any of you guys see or read the article (American Hangunner, I think) where Bill Laughridge at Cylinder & Slide took a 1911 and made it look like the 1903? I can't find the article, but here is a link to the C&S site.

http://www.cylinder-slide.com/index.php?app=ccp0&ns=prodshow&ref=CSP901&sid=9it1kcq7igc6a6cekxo7t72ln71bez58



I saw that with the 1911, I think there is video of that HERE but I could not find it.

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