[swamprat]

Position of Rampant Colt Trademark on "D" Frame Revolvers:

I have examined guns in my collection and on internet auctions and have found 5 positions and 4 different stamps. Shown below are pictures of these marks and positions, numbered from 1-5. Positions 1 & 2 have the same stamp, positions 3, 4 & 5 all have a different stamp.

Below the pictures is a listing of gun model, SN, date made, and stamp position.
If members of the forum will examine their guns and post data, I will update the list as information is added.
Maybe we can determine at what approximate date and serial number the positions and stamps were changed. It will be interesting to see if the different stamps were only used in one position other than #1 & #2.

POSITION #1:

POSITION #2:

POSITION #3:

POSITION #4:

POSITION #5:

LIST:5/30/08

 

[Kid Sopris]

DS #S427XX Nickle Position 4

 

[BlackAgnes]

Rampant Colt Position

My PPS, 1928, position 2.

 

[A1A]

DS:

• B18xxx 1970 4
• C11xxx 1972 4/5
• F48xxx 1974 4
• F48xxx 1974 4/5
• AE2xxx 1993 4
• RD1xxx 1993 5

PPS: RD6xxx 1994 4/5

The 4/5 calls are clearly between your examples and not exactly the same as each other.

​

 

[COLTDAGUY]

Rampant Colt Position

An interesting thread.... I'm surprised that everyone is more interested in the position of the Rampant Colt rather than the differences is the stamps themselves???? I would have thought that the style of the horse and spears would attract more interest....

Also Swamprat on your position 3 photo, what are the dark colored markings going from the top to the bottom through the horse?

My answer to your question on placement would be that the guns are made in batches and as a new batch was setup the placement would vary over time, just like the stamps would change when they were worn out and had to be replaced... I've seen this with the early Colt DA Army and Navy guns... there are marking placement and machining differences as production proceeded... sometimes it is enough to be able to tell where a gun belongs when the serial number is missing... I would bet that there are subtle machining differences from block to block in the DS or PPS guns with differenent Rampant Colt locations also... A detailed comparison would be interesting to hear about....Just my opinion! Bob

 

[michaelknifenut]

DS #S427XX Nickle Position 4

Kid Sopris,I really like your statement at the bottom of your post.Outstanding!...Mike

 

[A1A]

I would have thought that the style of the horse and spears would attract more interest....

I would bet that there are subtle machining differences from block to block in the DS or PPS guns with differenent Rampant Colt locations also... A detailed comparison would be interesting to hear about....Just my opinion! Bob

I, too was hoping for pictures of the rampant colt differences. I guess I'll have to check mine.

Speaking of machining differences, note the variations in the visible cylinder stops.

 

[jetman]

'76 Agent M556xx #4
'77 Cobra 622xxM #4
'76 Diamondback .38 D984xx #4
'77 Diamondback .22 R052xx #4
'99 Magnum Carry SY06xx #4
'77 Viper 617xxR #5

I too would like to see the different stampings of the pony as well.

 

[swamprat]

Quote: "Also Swamprat on your position 3 photo, what are the dark colored markings going from the top to the bottom through the horse?"

That pic is of an aluminum frame Cobra, the marks are discoloration in the finish, which is worn in that area.

Quote: "I'm surprised that everyone is more interested in the position of the Rampant Colt rather than the differences is the stamps themselves???? I would have thought that the style of the horse and spears would attract more interest...."

I will see if I can get closer pictures of the horses, and examine my other guns for any other different stamps......I notice that they went from the lower lance going across the shoulder in the first stamp to going below the chest in the 2nd & 3rd style, and then back to across the shoulder in the 4th style.

 

[pistola]

Rampant Colt

swamprat; I myself am more interested primarily in the differences of the stamp itself,being also concerned with location. I traded all of my older D frames to a buddy,so I will ask to look at them next time I visit. I do now have a 4th issue PPS,#271xxR.Position would be between where #1 and #5 are located in your photos.Are you including Diamondbacks in your research?

 

[swamprat]

I don't see why we shouldn't list all the "D" frame guns if ya'll want to.

Pistola, I would call your pictured gun a position 5.

I checked my guns and the Colt marks that I have pictured above are the only ones I have. If anyone finds one different, try to get a good closeup and post it.

Maybe we should also indicate, when listing position, if the Colt stamp is different from the one in my pictures. They could have used the same stamps in different positions?????

 

[NewColt]

Rampant Colt Trademark

swamprat:
If you guys want Diamondbacks too:
# R33593 Pos #5 (but higher)
I can't find DOB on this one.
I notice differences also show on the medallions.

 

[Buckspen]

My 1959 Cobra with serial number 67xxxLW has the logo in position 3 but the stamp looks more like the one shown in the Position 4 photo.

 

[TooTech]

Look at the way the spear intersects the legs of the pony as well.

In stamps 3 and 4 the spear is UNDERNEATH both legs. In other stamps its over one leg and under the other.

 

[swamprat]

I was looking closly at the pictures of position 3 & 4 Colts, and after examining the guns, believe the stamps to be identical. The difference being that #3 is stamped on an aluminum Cobra frame and #4 on a steel DS frame. If we assume that the stamp bit deeper into the softer aluminum, and the stamp on #4 is a light strike, then it is possible that this is the same stamp.

What say you Forum?????

 

[Kid Sopris]

I was looking closly at the pictures of position 3 & 4 Colts, and after examining the guns, believe the stamps to be identical. The difference being that #3 is stamped on an aluminum Cobra frame and #4 on a steel DS frame. If we assume that the stamp bit deeper into the softer aluminum, and the stamp on #4 is a light strike, then it is possible that this is the same stamp.

What say you Forum?????

Maybe, I would have to examine both under a loop. But it's also possible that they could be two different stamps. The impressions are not conclusive..Where is CSI when you really need them?

 

[44cal]

Hello Gang
I just joined today. Is a PPS the same as a OP? I have what I think is a 1968 OP with a 5 inch bbl . Ser. 923xxx
My stamp is in the no. 4 position.
I will get a picture of it, and start a new thread .

 

[swamprat]

Hello Gang
I just joined today. Is a PPS the same as a OP? I have what I think is a 1968 OP with a 5 inch bbl . Ser. 923xxx
My stamp is in the no. 4 position.
I will get a picture of it, and start a new thread .

44cal,
The Police Positive Special is a "D" frame which is a smaller frame than the Official Police.

 

[M2HB]

Position 3 & 4 have a skinny horse. It must have been made in tough economic times where they couldn't afford to feed the horses. The Position 5 horse looks fat and Postion 1 & 2 look good.

 

[swamprat]

List updated 5/30/08