I carry a list of the pre fixes and suffix written out on a list in my wallet. Very handy.

tipoc

 

Would you mind posting them Tipoc?

 

I have a Colt Model 1991A1 with the serial number 279xxxx I couldn't find anything on proofhouse.com

The barrel also has a proofmark mp I curious about that too.

Thanks for your help

 

JerseyCitySteve:

i believe that your 1991A1 was manufactured in 1993. I have a 1991A1 with a close serial number that was manufactured in 1993, according to Colt customer service.

You can call Colt during business hours, and they will tell you the month and year of manufacure.

 

The online list only goes to 1978:

http://proofhouse.com/colt/

Data up to 1985 is in the book "Colt: A American Legend" by R.L. Wilson.

For numbers after 1985, you have to call Colt.

 

The only numbers I have are those provided by Wilson and I believe are roughly the same as the proofhouse numbers. If the point is to get rough ideas of when post '85 guns were produced the only way I know of to do it is to call Colt. What prefix/suffix they used, or lack of, could be posted here to give us a rough idea. If the piece was bought new, the papers will give a rough idea.

For current guns, like the M1991 we should post up the rough years certain versions were produced.

tipoc

 

my 1991a1 's serial number is 2717099
i dont know when it was made
i just got it two days ago

 

I have a Gov't model NRM 1991A1 sn#28170xx and a Mark IV Series 80 Gov't with sn# SS320xx

 

I checked that site but didn't find 70sc listed anywhere. does anyone have any other ideas?

 

Option 1: You call Colt on their 800 number and ask when it was made.

Option 2: A massive amount of research. Gunbroker sales often list serial numbers. Start your own database and in a few years you will be a master.

 

Try here-

http://www.sightm1911.com/1911Production.htm

It's pretty complete for as far as it goes - 1981 or so.

 

Question to see if I'm following what's being presented here. My police department just got a shipment of US Gov't surplus M1911A1's. Some are clearly marked as Colt, Remington, and Ithaca. On the Colts, the ONLY numbers I can find are the ones that are stamped on the right side of the frame, above the trigger with the words "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" above a series of numbers 2649XXXX. Is THAT what I need to be looking at on the rest of the weapons to find out when they were made??

 

Yes, that is the SN.

Do not assume that the name on the slide is the manufacturer's name, as slides are often switched.

You can look up the SN on proofhouse and it will tell you who manufactured the gun.

ML

 

I believe he wrote it was "2649XXXX" which should make it a 1945 Ithaca assuming the last "X" was superfluous.

ML

 

I checked that site but didn't find 70sc listed anywhere. does anyone have any other ideas?

WROWE, that means your gun is not a Government Model but rather a nickel-finished (originally) Commander model. Go to proofhouse and look up commander models. It will be listed there and be sometime in the 1970s.

 

Grandad's Old .45 - What do I have?

Good day,

I have my granddad's old .45 Colt pistols. The markings on the slide, left side are Colt's PT. F.A. Mfg. Co, Hartford, CT USA and patent numbers below that dating between April 20, 1897 and Aug 19, 1913.

Then on the right side on the slide it says National Match Colt automatic caliber .45

Then just above the trigger, on the right side I have Government Model and what I can only assume is a serial number of C185xxx

The last thing I see is a very small 60 stamped on the trigger guard up near the frame.

It shoots excellently and is a family treasure. I would like to know, what do I have? Something ordinary or is this something special that should be hung in a display case? Does anyone have any insight into what I have?

Thanks.

 

C185XXX was made in 1937.
If the slide is original this would be a first model National Match target pistol.

The "60" is an inspectors stamp. There should also be a tiny "VP" in a triangle on the left side of the trigger guard, usually on the rear web of the guard.
This is Colt's "Verified proof" stamp.

Value depends on how much original finish is left and the actual condition.
Also, that it's in the original configuration it left Colt in, (Grips, etc).

Colt only made 4,813 National Match pistol pre-war.
3,339 had fixed sights, 1,474 had adjustable sights.
These per-War NM Colt's have significant value.
Values can range from $2,000 for a fixed sight model in 60% condition to over $10,000 for a 98% adjustable sight version.
You have to watch out for fixed sight guns that have been converted to adjustable sights.

You can get a Colt Archive letter from Colt for $100. The letter will tell you what configuration the gun was in when it left Colt, and who it was shipped to, among other info.

 

http://www.sightm1911.com/1911Production.htm

 

the blue book by wilson gives you more info than proofhouse....plus its a small book and easy to bring along when shopping....

 

Does anybody know what these letters mean in a Gold cup serial #? SNO 2980