1851 Navy Colt serial number query

warren77 · January 4, 2009, 07:01 PM

Hi,

I have a good replica of an 1851 navy colt. I have found many Italian replicas have their own manufacturing stamp on the revolver somewhere. Mine has none, it just has 'made in italy' stamped on the underside of the hexagonal barrel. It does have matching serial numbers on the trigger guard, frame, butt and inside the handle. The serial number is 64393. It has a brass frame and the engraved navy scene on the cylinder. Does anyone know the date of manufacture?, I have looked online but have had no luck. I have included some images of the revolver too. One last thing to mention is the screw going through the loading lever goes in the opposite way to all the other screws, I havn't seen this on any other replicas.

I would appreciate any help,

Many thanks Warren

Hawg · January 4, 2009, 07:26 PM

I'd say the markings were removed. Even if it was a kit it should have a manufacturers stamp on it.

James K · January 4, 2009, 08:01 PM

Since those are not considered firearms under federal law, there is no requirement for marking them with the maker/importer name or even putting on a serial number. I have seen a lot of them, just like that. It does rather indicate that the maker didn't have a lot of pride in the product.

Jim

warren77 · January 5, 2009, 09:09 AM

Hi, thanks for your comments, does anyone now what date it is, as the serial numbers must mean something. The gun does seem solid and well built.

Regards Warren.

Hawg · January 5, 2009, 09:34 AM

No, the serial number doesn't mean anything. Italian guns use a date code stamped in the frame. Without it there's no way to date it. The quality or lack of it will show up in the internal works after it's been used awhile. If it's a .44 it's a Pietta, they're the only one that makes them.

warren77 · January 5, 2009, 07:08 PM

Hi, is there a way I can tell if it is a .44?

Thanks Warren.

Jim Watson · January 5, 2009, 09:35 PM

Well, just to be sure, you could measure the barrel or a chamber opening.

But it is plain in your pictures that it is a .36.

warren77 · January 6, 2009, 03:41 PM

I measured it and it is a .36 if it is a kit would it still have serial numbers on it?

Many thanks.

January 5, 2009, 09:09 AM	#4
warren77 Junior Member Join Date: January 4, 2009 Posts: 4	1851 Navy colt replica Hi, thanks for your comments, does anyone now what date it is, as the serial numbers must mean something. The gun does seem solid and well built. Regards Warren.

January 5, 2009, 07:08 PM	#6
warren77 Junior Member Join Date: January 4, 2009 Posts: 4	1851 navy colt Hi, is there a way I can tell if it is a .44? Thanks Warren.

January 6, 2009, 03:41 PM	#8
warren77 Junior Member Join Date: January 4, 2009 Posts: 4	navy colt I measured it and it is a .36 if it is a kit would it still have serial numbers on it? Many thanks.

January 4, 2009, 07:26 PM	#2
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	I'd say the markings were removed. Even if it was a kit it should have a manufacturers stamp on it.

January 4, 2009, 08:01 PM	#3
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Since those are not considered firearms under federal law, there is no requirement for marking them with the maker/importer name or even putting on a serial number. I have seen a lot of them, just like that. It does rather indicate that the maker didn't have a lot of pride in the product. Jim

January 5, 2009, 09:34 AM	#5
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	No, the serial number doesn't mean anything. Italian guns use a date code stamped in the frame. Without it there's no way to date it. The quality or lack of it will show up in the internal works after it's been used awhile. If it's a .44 it's a Pietta, they're the only one that makes them.

January 5, 2009, 09:35 PM	#7
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,539	Well, just to be sure, you could measure the barrel or a chamber opening. But it is plain in your pictures that it is a .36.