ASM date stamps

[Tinker Pearce]

I have an EMF/ASM New Dakota Model. It's very nicely made and an excellent shooter, but I am having trouble tracking down a manufacture date. I understand the serial numbers are essentially useless, but there is a date code stamped in a box by the serial number- on mine this appears to be 'BI.' 

The gun is marked under the barrel 'ASM Italy*EMF SA

The frame is color case-hardened, as is the hammer. The grip-frame is brass with a black-chrome finish.

Any help?

[Major 2]

1997  [BI]

[Professor Marvel]

For the greater good, and cuz I forget stuff, here is the text version of the date codes

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,60025.0.html

Yhs
Prof forgetful

Dang I forgot I put that there!

[Major 2]

the text version is also a sticky on both the Open Top & Win  73 BB

[Tinker Pearce]

Thank you, gentlemen!

[RRio]

I just completed a trade for a NIB 1993 EMF/ASM New Dakota, 4 3/4" in .45 Colt.  26 year old gun, never fired. Gorgeous piece. I'll Post a pic later.

[Coffinmaker]

Just for Grins and Giggles.

Many Lustra ago, when my profession was Gunplumbing, The SA Replicants made by Armi San Marco were "Dead Ringers" for second Gen Colts.  Much as Pietta are today.  In those days, ASM made some truly fine guns.  Very easy to "set up" for CAS.  I don't remember exactly which, but many of the Lock Works parts could and would interchange with a Colt.  This was, of course before ASM quality and quality control went into the Krapper.  A true shame they (ASM) IMPLODED.

[Coal Creek Griff]

Lustra! I've always wanted someone to correctly use the plural of lustrum (it's not"lustrums").  Nice job, Coffinmaker!

CC Griff