O underneath serial number

mforster · March 31, 2015, 05:05 AM

Hi,

Can anyone explain why some early Colts have a letter (or number) "0" stamped underneath the serial numbers.

thanks,

Mike

Fingers McGee · March 31, 2015, 11:00 AM

There are a number of theories as to why. Most prevalent is that Colt collectors didn't want the C series 2nd Gens to be passed off as originals, so the O was added to keep that from happening. The O was discontinued in 1973 around SN 11000

mforster · April 2, 2015, 09:47 AM

Thanks for your reply Fingers, here's another question this an 1861 London proofed navy with 2s stamped under each serial number, any ideas ?

Mike

Fingers McGee · April 2, 2015, 01:52 PM

I think we're talking about two different things. Is the one you are talking about with the O a 2nd Gen 1851 Navy? If not, ignore my previous reply.
Don't know what the 2s would be.

Mk VII · April 2, 2015, 03:08 PM

It's probably an internal factory inspector's mark. Various numbers and letters have been noted on London Colt components.
(the late J. Rosa, Colonel Colt, London)

March 31, 2015, 05:05 AM	#1
mforster Member Join Date: January 22, 2012 Location: Normandy,France Posts: 22	O underneath serial number Hi, Can anyone explain why some early Colts have a letter (or number) "0" stamped underneath the serial numbers. thanks, Mike

March 31, 2015, 11:00 AM	#2
Fingers McGee Senior Member Join Date: March 19, 2008 Location: High & Dry in Missouri Ozarks Posts: 2,113	There are a number of theories as to why. Most prevalent is that Colt collectors didn't want the C series 2nd Gens to be passed off as originals, so the O was added to keep that from happening. The O was discontinued in 1973 around SN 11000 __________________ Fingers (Show Me MO smoke) McGee - AKA Man of Many Colts - Alter ego of Diabolical Ken; SASS Regulator 28564-L-TG; Rangemaster and stage writer extraordinaire; Frontiersman, Pistoleer, NRA Endowment Life, NMLRA, SAF, CCRKBA, STORM 327, SV115; Charter member, Central Ozarks Western Shooters Cynic: A blackguard whose faulty vision see things as they are, not as they should be. Ambrose Bierce

April 2, 2015, 01:52 PM	#4
Fingers McGee Senior Member Join Date: March 19, 2008 Location: High & Dry in Missouri Ozarks Posts: 2,113	I think we're talking about two different things. Is the one you are talking about with the O a 2nd Gen 1851 Navy? If not, ignore my previous reply. Don't know what the 2s would be. __________________ Fingers (Show Me MO smoke) McGee - AKA Man of Many Colts - Alter ego of Diabolical Ken; SASS Regulator 28564-L-TG; Rangemaster and stage writer extraordinaire; Frontiersman, Pistoleer, NRA Endowment Life, NMLRA, SAF, CCRKBA, STORM 327, SV115; Charter member, Central Ozarks Western Shooters Cynic: A blackguard whose faulty vision see things as they are, not as they should be. Ambrose Bierce

April 2, 2015, 03:08 PM	#5
Mk VII Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2000 Location: England Posts: 455	It's probably an internal factory inspector's mark. Various numbers and letters have been noted on London Colt components. (the late J. Rosa, Colonel Colt, London)