Real Colt ?

[St. George]

Indeed.

Given the article cited above, under the subcontractor agreement to produce 2nd Generation percussion models, Imperato's responsibilities were to manufacture the revolvers to Colt's strict specifications, then ship the finished product to its Hartford facilities. Colt's then performed final inspection and shipped the revolvers to distributors.

This is why Colt historical letters for 2nd Generation percussion revolvers contain exactly the same type of information one finds in letters for original percussion models, Single Action Armys and other models.

If Colt will letter those revolvers - then Colt views them as 'real Colts'.

They will 'not' letter the 'Colt Blackpowder Arms Co. Signature Series' revolvers.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Fingers McGee]

Hay Fingers as Yogi Berra said " It's like DEJA VU all over again"

do do, do do; do do, do do.

[Pettifogger]

Indeed.

Given the article cited above, under the subcontractor agreement to produce 2nd Generation percussion models, Imperato's responsibilities were to manufacture the revolvers to Colt's strict specifications, then ship the finished product to its Hartford facilities. Colt's then performed final inspection and shipped the revolvers to distributors.

This is why Colt historical letters for 2nd Generation percussion revolvers contain exactly the same type of information one finds in letters for original percussion models, Single Action Armys and other models.

If Colt will letter those revolvers - then Colt views them as 'real Colts'.

They will 'not' letter the 'Colt Blackpowder Arms Co. Signature Series' revolvers.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

That's interesting.  I have never considered the so called third generation or Signature series to be "real" Colts.  Several people on this site have, however, pointed out that Colt does, in fact, letter them (if anyone is dumb enough to want a letter on a modern reproduction).

[Fingers McGee]

That's interesting.  I have never considered the so called third generation or Signature series to be "real" Colts.  Several people on this site have, however, pointed out that Colt does, in fact, letter them (if anyone is dumb enough to want a letter on a modern reproduction).

I've heard the rumors that Colt's would letter a Sig Series gun.  The only Signature Series Colts that I have physicallty seen the letters on were a pair of Colt Custom Shop engraved Sig Series 1860's.  The letters plainly stated that the guns were not Colt's, and that only the engraving and caseing of the set was done by Colt.

[Pettifogger]

I've heard the rumors that Colt's would letter a Sig Series gun.  The only Signature Series Colts that I have physicallty seen the letters on were a pair of Colt Custom Shop engraved Sig Series 1860's.  The letters plainly stated that the guns were not Colt's, and that only the engraving and caseing of the set was done by Colt.

That's what I always thought, the Signature Series was simply a deal where someone licensed the name.  I can't remember who it was, but someone on this wire made quite a case that they are considered "3rd Gen" Colt BP guns.  To me they are just nicely finished Ubertis in gray boxes.

[St. George]

That's all they are.

Colt Blackpowder Arms Co. was Lou Imperato's Iver Johnson plant - not the Colt factory.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Major 2]

I believe Colt charges $100 to letter ...may be $125 now...

I've read they will letter a  Signature Series reproduction for $75  
why would they not ?   ... that's Capitalism,  an Iraqi National, the State of Connecticut, and the UAW profits.

[Big Bear Lowe]

According to some of the logic used to condemn second generation Colts as not "real" Colts, would it be a logical leap to conclude that a 1st generation Walker (or a Whitneyville Dragoon for that matter) are not "real" Colt revolvers due to their being produced in a non-Colt facility and not by Colt gunsmiths?  Not sure where the 3rd generation stands but I regard the second generation as "true" Colt revolvers.  I own and shoot examples of all 3 generations (although not much with the elder statesmen I have been priveleged to steward) and enjoy each and every one to different degrees.  Old Sams legacy lives on!

Many thanks for all who opine on this and other subjects on this forum.  I feel I am among the faithful.

Michael Lowe

[Doc Sunrise]

Big Bear Lowe,

You are spot on.  Anytime Colt puts its fullest capabilities behind a product they have placed their name on, it means that Colt is satisfied, regardless of where materials were made, regardless of who did the work, that the product has met Colts Specifications to be considered a Colt Product.  Sam Colt used many vendors located in and out of his plant over his lifetime to get products made.  He was a true business man who utilized sub-contracting from the beginning.  It made no difference to him if a machine and craftsman was owned by him under his roof, or owned by someone outside under his roof or someone else's roof in this country or in another country.  As long as the finished product was built because of his say so and to his specs, and that he profited by that product being sold.

[Hess Coakley]

Interesting...For what its worth, I'm in the "C" series being a Colt camp when it comes down to it.