2nd Gen (prec) Colt ID

[Trap]

  Years ago I traded for a 3rd Mod. Dragoon that I was told and thought was a 2nd gen Colt. On the barrel flat is ADDRESS SAML(SMALL L) COLT NEW-YORK CITY, Under the loading lever is (very light) BLACK POWDER ONLY MADE IN ITALY. On the flat of the barrel assembly where it meets the receiver frame is the ser. # 934xx which matches #s on grip frame, and base of receiver frame. Also on this flat at the bottom of the bbl assembly is PN with a star in a "Flower" Also a shield w/ crossed swords, also w/ the star & "flower"above. The receiver, Where these meet has the above 2 same marks + AM in a rectangle. The cylinder is marked w/ the PN and Star in Flower. Grips are a beautiful tiger stripe with perfect fit. All wood /metal & metal/metal fits are perfect. Functions perfectly. I used this gun as a prop for historical reenactments, but never fired it.

  I sold this gun recently. A week or 2 later I was contacted by the buyer who said he was now convinced that this was not a 2nd gen Colt. One of the things he pointed out was a ASM mark (see Above AM mark), saying it was an Armi San Marco. I have received the pistol back and refunded his purchase price. What I need to know: Is this a 2nd gen Colt or not.

                   Thanks for your opinions  jt

[St. George]

The 'AM' indicates manufacture in 1984.

The 'PN' is the Black Powder Proof Mark.

The 'Star' indicates that the weapon was proofed at Gardone-Brescia, Italy.

Italian manufacturers often marked their reproductions with proper 'Colt' markings, until Colt put their foot down.

'Real' Colt percussion weapons are so-marked and will letter to the factory.

'Signature Series' weapons were marked 'Colt' but were under license and were not factory-assembled - some of the late ones even have visible Italian markings.

Yours is likely an Uberti or a Pietta.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Major 2]

Trap

For a short time  + Address SamL Colt   line was stamped on Uberti parts destined for the Third Gen. assembly.
Mid South shooter supply bought most of these last guns ( I had a Walker so marked ,it was stolen)
It was not a 3rd Gen. just left over parts when Colt (well really Lew Imperaio) stopped assembly of them about 1984.
So what you have, a last of the line (COLT complaining) of parts kit bash...

They are not bad guns and a bit rare...sadly not what you want to hear..It will not command 2nd Gen. Value

Sorry


BTW "... PN with a star in a "Flower" Also a shield w/ crossed swords, also w/ the star & "flower"above."
The Star within Flower you mention is in fact, a Star within 8 Lands & Grooves this the Gardone Proof


The Shield...is a Coat of Arms depicting
a Hammer & Anvil with crossed Bayoneted Rifles

[Fox Creek Kid]

Trap, IMO it's an Armi San Marco (ASM). They stamped some repros with real Colt markings in years gone by as it is almost impossible to sue someone in Italy unless your uncle is a Mafia capo. The ASM is the dead giveaway. Is the case coloring somewhat mottled? That's another clue on ASM guns.

[Trap]

  FCK   I can find no ASM on the gun, Only AM which was said to indicate manufacture date.

[Fox Creek Kid]

Trap, I re-read your post and I had misinterpreted (late night reading) whereas he said there was an ASM mark and thought that it did say that.  My error.

[Fingers McGee]

  FCK   I can find no ASM on the gun, Only AM which was said to indicate manufacture date.

I could still be an ASM patent infringement gun.  The very faint stamping under the barrel could be the clue.

FM

[Bishop Creek]

Even though it is not a real Colt 2nd Gen pistol, it will still command a higher price than an unmarked Italian one would. Put it on Gunbroker and watch the interest. Bet you'd sell it for a pretty good price if you highlight the "Colt" barrel address in the ad.