COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER 44-40- HELP!

[marlincowboy]

Recently I was given a Colt Frontier Six Shooter 4 3/4 inch bbl. to check out.

The etched barrel "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER 44-40 is crisp and even and is blue, but the Blue Book states that serial numbers went only to 129,000.

It does have the two line patent date on the frame and is case hardened. The Rampant Colt stamped on the frame is not circled.

I would really appreciate some assistance with this one as it has me stumped as to whether it is original or a fake.

I can provide pictures but don't know how to add them to this site.

Thanks for your help,
MarlinCowboy

[bogusbill]

I am no expert and am replying as I see no one else has yet. If you dont get good answers here try the cass or sixgunner sites. A big guess is its a redone parts swap gun. But that really doesnt make much sense either as to how someone would fine a good old barrel and clyinder and put them on another good gun. I forget but wasnt the frontier markings only used way back in the 1880s? I am sure more knowledgable should follow.

[tommix]

Is the etched barrel marked "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" or does it also include "44-40". It is not clear in your note. No etched barrels did.

The 2 line/2 date format was used until 1877, resumed again in 1890 as 2 lines with 3 dates until 1940.

The uncircled Colt on the frame started in 1912 until 1940.

You don't mention the serial number, the production date and the above info should tell you something.

There were some postwar "1873/1973" commemoratives made in 1973/74 that had an etched panel "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" barrel but they were nickel, 7 1/2". I believe all the 3rd generation .44-40 's were roll-marked, no etching.

Apparently an uncircled rampant Colt couldn't have an etched panel barrel, what is the serial #?...

The late Don Wilkerson's last book on 2nd and 3rd generation SAA Colts has much info and photos on the post war markings, through 1986.

tommix

[marlincowboy]

Thanks for your input!
The serial number is #15758x
The barrel is stamped/etched "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER 44-40"
Serial numbers match on the frame and trigger assembly and the butt of the gun

[tommix]

Your SAA was made circa 1894 based on serial #, but the uncircled Rampant Colt didn't start until l912.
The barrel was made in the period from 1923-1940 since it is marked "44-40" in addition to "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER".
The marking is not etched, it is impressed with a roll die. I would say the serial numbers have been restamped.

Barrel, serial number, and markings seem to be from different eras, don't buy this gun if you are considering it....