[hammerdown]

Need info. On factory grips \"Please\"

Hello:
I am new to the forum and have a set of grips I would like to know about.I purchased these and know little about Colt grips. I was wondering if a member could identify them and give me and idea of when they were used and what they are worth and also availabilty. I tried to take good pictures but it is hard to see but on the back of each grip it is scratched the number #986. What would this mean? I also see they also apear to be in great shape like someone removed them right after the purchase of the Colt they were on. Thanks to all that reply. thanks, Hammerdown.



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"they can take my guns from me when they pry my cold dead fingers from them"

 

[lonewolf]

Re: Need info. On factory grips \"Please\"

Hi Hammerdown. I think I recognize the "name" from the S & W Forum. Looks like those are definately original SAA grips from Colt. First,measure them. If they are 3 inches top to bottom they are for a Single Action Army,either 1900s to around 1968,when Colt went "back" to the American Eagle style. If they are shorter,they are from the "7/8ths"scale Frontier Scout .22 caliber.Usually,but not always,Colt inscribed the full serial number inside the grip,but Ive seen just the last 3 also.I cant see from the photo,but does it say "Colt Mfg " etc? The postwar,2nd generation guns usually do,but I just went to the vault & dug out a 1902 vintage 38/40,and there is No "Colt name inside,and they are originals! So,my "guess"without touching them is that ther are circa 1900-1940 vintage Single Action Army. Hope they DO measure 3"s and not from the "Scout".There are probably "experts" out there who specialize in SAAs,who can ID these correctly,as I only have a "few" SAAs as they are too "rich" for my income,and I like to "shoot" what I spend my hard earned $$$ on! Hope this helps a little. Bud

 

[hammerdown]

Re: Need info. On factory grips \"Please\"

Hello lonewolf:
I went by your information and measured them. They ARE three inches from top to bottom.I also do not see the Colt name anywhere on them. You are correct there are only Three numbers inscribed on the rear and it is the number I gave. Would it be right to assume then that these grips came off and early 1900s gun with the serial number only being three digits ? I hope one of the Colt Collectors sees this post so I can learn more. These are in mint condition as seen above. I was at a gun show and had a table with my grips on them and a fella asked if I was interested in a buying grips and I said sure. He opened a grocery sack and I bought them all. Most were REAL early S&W grips which are my specialty and these Colt grips were among them. here is a picture of the S&W grips that came with them.The single picture is a set of Pre-K frame S&W grips.1900-1920. the 2 sets together fit a early S&W top break revolver 1850-1910.I am a member on the S&W forum and had to ask the collecters what grips thesze were that fit a S&W because it is alot earlier than the ones I have. Thanks for the response.Seems I have stumbled on some real history here. Hammerdown.



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"they can take my guns from me when they pry my cold dead fingers from them"

[This message has been edited by hammerdown (edited 05-29-2004).]