[Hondo44]

I'm no expert on pinched frames but I don't like the looks of the example posted. If I had the money to buy one i'd require an X-ray of the sight area before dropping the cash!

Not a bad idea, but I don't think it justifies the cost, professionals are likely more accurate than an Xray.
What don't you like with the looks of the one posted? You're welcome to your "no expert" opinion of course. But it clearly looks authentic (as well as can be seen in one photo at least). No one can authenticate from a photo.

It's been the case more than once that a genuine Colt is deemed a fake by an untrained eye only to find out later that they had passed up the buy of a lifetime!

 

[hwjhfs]

Hardly! Thanks to all the clones produced in black powder configuration, those that know the term "Bullseye Ejector" out number those that know what a pinched frame is by at least 100,000 to 1. "What's a pinched frame?" was even asked in this thread!

Well, let's hope he is able to post a photo or two so we can see what it is...

 

[NorwichCadet]

ANSWERS:

1. Pinched frame Colt looks like this. It comes from an article we wrote last year on Colt collecting. Buying Colt Single Actions ? A Beginner?s Guide & Unique Auction It should be very helpful to your current situation.
View attachment 46796
Which one is "pinched"- left or right? THANKS

 

[Hondo44]

ANSWERS:

1. Pinched frame Colt looks like this. It comes from an article we wrote last year on Colt collecting. Buying Colt Single Actions ? A Beginner?s Guide & Unique Auction It should be very helpful to your current situation.
View attachment 46796
Which one is "pinched"- left or right? THANKS

Post #13.

 

[don62]

left...

 

[Hondo44]

I agree. How many US guns do you see for sale at the shows with a Kopec authentication letter? A bad letter is the kiss of death from a value stand point. I think some ( not all) of the dealers " don't wanna know!"

Rick I believe you are absolutely correct! How many times have we heard a seller say; "Someone said this or that might not be original, but I don't know."? To me, that means the seller KNOWS it's not original but just wants to go on record before the sale to ease his conscience and deflect any comebacks after the sale. Cynical on my part maybe, but usually true. After 50 years of walking gunshows, one learns just too many are out there trying to 'game' it.

 

[Iouda]

Thanks guys, was busting my butt all week, and didn't check this till now. Gun may already be sold but still gonna look at it.

 

[Iouda]

Well the internet is to slow to load pics out here, so will do that when I get to town next.Looked at the gun and it's not a pinched frame, had a long loading gate cutout, but a short replacement loading gate.Almost no blue left, replaced grips(stag) and was stamped Colt on the left side of frame.The se# was indeed 52 stamped on frame in front of trigger guard, and on cylinder.

 

[Chaffee]

There should not be the word 'Colt' on the frame, just patent dates. The serial # would be on the TG, barrel and backstrap as well. I'm sticking with my 1st instinct: Copy. Close-up pictures will tell a lot.

 

[Hondo44]

Well the internet is to slow to load pics out here, so will do that when I get to town next.Looked at the gun and it's not a pinched frame, had a long loading gate cutout, but a short replacement loading gate.Almost no blue left, replaced grips(stag) and was stamped Colt on the left side of frame.The se# was indeed 52 stamped on frame in front of trigger guard, and on cylinder.

Yeah, sounds like a copy. The loading gate cutout (loading chute) is always the same length. Only the loading gate was shortened.

 

[Iouda]

I was mistaken, the word colt is not on frameIt says "cal .44" that's not right is it?

 

[Chaffee]

I was mistaken, the word colt is not on frameIt says "cal .44" that's not right is it?

If on the frame, then no, it's not right. Lot's of copies have the caliber stamping on the frame.

 

[coltsixguns]

cal. 44 on the frame isn't a good thing........ouch......

 

[Hondo44]

Colts did not ever have cal stamped on the frame and when stamped on the trigger guard it would not be Cal 44, it would be .44 CAL. It could be a Colt that had a caliber change that was stamped on the frame by the gunsmith and a stolen gun with serial # removed and re-stamped #52 by a local authority.

 

[Rick]

Mexican copy. Sorry, I was hoping you hit the jackpot!

 

[natanael]

Yes, is it like the one or the second?

 

[hmaag]

Its the upper.