different rampant Colts

These pics are from mostly "D" frames just as an example of how that pony changed through years. The pics were from a revolver depecting that year and not the transition year. For instance, just because the pic of 1960 Rampant Colt was from 1960 doesn't mean it was the same stamp until 1974. Notice the 1974 stamp is similar to the 1979 stamp. The 1974 stamp shown may have started being used in the 60's and doesn't mean this roll stamp was introduced in 1974. I'm not really sure about the roll stamps on the SAA's. Are you sure your's is not like the '74? You may have to check the detail closely with a magnifine glass. I guess some of the SAA aficionados could answer that.

MickeyMoose said:

Thanks, more than I imagined. Still, what do they mean, if anything? Does it matter what gun they go on? Revolver vs semi? Frame size? Same one for year across the spectrum? The shape of the eyes also changes as do the position of the forelegs. I see some changes in the tail, too. Some of the colts look a little chunkier than the others.

Click to expand...

"In the days before firearms, when the crusaders went into battle on horseback and armed with spears--one very intelligent horse, seeing that his rider was about to be pierced by the enemy's spear--reared on his hind legs, grasped the spear in his mouth, struck out with one hoof and broke the spear: In heraldry, a horse signifies readiness to serve the monarch. The broken spear signifies a warrior slain in battle. By carrying the spear, this warhorse is continuing the fight for his fallen rider. The broken part of the spear is pictured in the horse's mouth and the handle through his legs. It's a fitting symbol, considering the indomitable spirit of inventor and entrepreneur Samuel Colt. This is embelmatic of the Colt--always coming to the defense of the master."