Patent Dates

[Johnny Dingus]

Howdy Gents,

Just got my second Rodeo and have been comparing them.  The first serial # starts with D and has a 3 line patent date stamping.  My Second starts with serial # Kxxxx and has a 2 line patent date.  The other thing I've noticed is the grips though the same are not the same.  The newest # Kxxxx has the newer manufactered grips from a different supplier and have sharper edges around the US logo.

Could some one tell me the significance of the patent dates and why the difference on two otherwise alike Rodeo's?

Thanks,

Johnny Dingus

[Johnny Dingus]

Howdy Gents,

I've been looking though one of my books on Colts and the only Colts that have the 3 line patent dates are the early model frame.
The one that has a screw retaining the base pin.  The 2 line patent dates are on the late or slide pin modle frame.  Banjoman could you clarify this for me?
By the way both of my Rodeos are the later slide pin release for the base pin.

Thanks

Johnny Dingus

[Fox Creek Kid]

Early Colts had a TWO line patent date in the 1870's on the BP frame, the C.B. Richards patent & Wm. Mason patent, until the three line date later in the decade. 

http://www.bar-w.com/saa-generations.html

[Johnny Dingus]

Thanks for the info FCK,

Still could not find a pre-war with 3 line patent date imprinting.  Here is a couple of pictures of my Rodeos.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c105/BlueViffer/pictures076.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c105/BlueViffer/pictures075.jpg

Johnny Dingus

[Johnny Dingus]

Howdy Gents,

Here are two pictures to show you how good USFA is at putting the patent stamp in the correct location and the font is spot on also.

This is an original colt   http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c105/BlueViffer/colt-single-action-frontier-4.jpg

This is one of my Rodeos  http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c105/BlueViffer/pictures081.jpg

Johnny Dingus