1912 Colt 45 Pistol Grip Material Question...

[UtopiaTexasColt45]

I have passed down to me a single action Colt 45 long pistol originally owned by my Great grandfather. From the serial numbers this is a 1912 build. I believe the grips to be original but they look like some sort of plastic and I wonder what type, if any plastic was used at that date? Material is black, finely hatched/checkered with a Colt horse figure rearing up on its hind legs. These grip "covers" are worn smooth on the bottom 1/8" from use. What material might this be? Thanks...

[Abe Anglin]

They are commonly referred to as Hard Rubber grips / the material is akin to Gutta-percha.

[dfariswheel]

As above, they're hard rubber.
These often age to a brown color.

Treat them gently. When they get old they get brittle and crack and break easily. Don't over tighten the screw that secures them to prevent cracking.

[oberon]

Hard rubber.
The gutta percha ones have a distinct texture to 'em a lot like something that was an ancestor to bakelite. I have a 1900 Browning with gutta perca grip panels. They are crappy, warp easily and generally do not hold their shape after about 112 years. They fit the pistol and work ok, I suppose, but they do look rather primitive and 'cobby'.

[ShootingMaster]

I don´t pretend to get off-topic but I would love to see some pictures of your inherited Colt. A gun that has been in the family
through several generations is always interesting.

As previously said treat them gently; they get fragile with the age. I don´t have a SAA but I´ve found several small cracks on the inner side of near-100 years Colt hard ruber grips (New service and New Army grips).

If you plan to use it you may want to replace the original grips with newer ones so they don´t get damaged.

Regards.-