Belgian Colt Question for Bootsie or others in the know.

[Capt. Willard]

I recently aquired a very nice looking Belgian Colt 1860\1960 Army. It is really great looking with the sideways palm tree proof making this a pre 1968 pistol I think. Heres the problem..whilst cleaning it I discovered that the cylander has a 4 digit serial number, the barrel has a 4 digit serial number and the frame/trigger guard are serial numbered together with another 4 digit serial number. It apears the cylander and barrel assembly are from different weapons. My question is ..are these variations in serial numbers normal or is this pistol made up from 3 different pistols? I hate to return this pistol to the gentleman who I purchased it from but I really would prefer a numbers matching gun. He was not aware of the descrepancy and will take it back so I am not angry just dissapointed. Your thoughts?

[Dick Dastardly]

Depends.  You going to shoot it, or just look at it?  For just lookin' I'd want the numbers to match.  For shootn', it'd have to do that well and the numbers would be less important.  If it don't shoot good and the numbers don't match I'd return it.  You're the customer.  Sounds like you have a good seller.

Please report how it comes out.

DD-DLoS

[Long Johns Wolf]

Capt. Willard & all: Regarding the S/Ns and based on the current findings of my Belgian Colt/Centaure research project pistols recorded in my survey have 100 % matching numbers, i. e. barrel, trigger guard, cylinder, hammer, back strap, wooden grip. The complete S/N is normally on the barrel, trigger guard, hammer, back strap. It is abbreviated on cylinder (usually 3 to 4 last digits) and wooden grip ("blind" print, normally 2 last digits).
As of today there are 2 noted exceptions: regular pistols, i. e. pistols without prefix S/N (C, F series), with the
1. proprietary Centaure naval scene on the cylinder, have cylinders with non matching S/Ns in approx 50 % of the specimen documented.
2. Colt-type naval scene on the cylinder, have cylinders with non matching S/Ns in 100 % of the specimen known.
At this point I can only speculate why this is the case but hopefully in a couple of months I can provide an explanations once more of these pistols are analyzed.
If you are agreeable I will mail my data collection sheet by PM since I would like to include your pistol in my survey.
Long Johns Wolf (formerly known as Bootsie)

[Capt. Willard]

That would be just fine ...by the way I just noticed that the cylinder has the engaged etc..engraving ..I believe the Edwards book stated something to the effect of only the first 500 units having that as they feared counterfiting would be too easy. Based on this and your info regarding Naval cylinders being mismatched as normall I may just keep this pistol after all. Sure is pretty with great case cololoring. Thanks for the help!

[Long Johns Wolf]

Capt. Willard: I respect Edwards's knowledge and experience but remember the book is from 1962 which implies information/data are from 1961. I have pistols im the survey with ENGAGED... from 1972 production.
Long Johns Wolf

[Capt. Willard]

Good to know...I think I will still keep this one regardless. Thanks for all the help Long Johns Wolf!