I suspect collectors might tend to tout their own collecting interests as "the golden years". The parameters you posed as guidelines for comment apply pretty much to all Colts made up to the beginning of their labor and financial woes...not sure I would include the J frames in the golden period, but most guns prior.
What is the golden era of Colt?
What years would you define as the "golden era" of Colt and why? What I mean is what period of time in Colt's history do you think they excelled the MOST at quality control, level of finish quality, types of models offered, or any other characteristic which you deem relevant to determing such a thing?
I forget how to post a poll, but I would rather just have peoples commentary anyway... Thanks.
I forget how to post a poll, but I would rather just have peoples commentary anyway... Thanks.
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Every Colt I have is from Colt's Golden Age
Here is a photo of the display we had a few years ago. As you can see from the name on the top of the display I had 1911-1941 as the Golden Era of Colt's double action revolvers. I think a good argument could be made for 1896-1941 or 1900-1941. Of course this is subjective and each collector and shooter has his or her own thoughts.
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Guess I'm out of luck LOL? I have an "entire one" Colt revolver (or any other firearm...yet) in my "collection" LOL, and it is a beat up .32 Police Positive from 1910...and the display of the Golden Era is from 1911-1941...just my luck...my single example does not count LOL, missed by one year LOL. (Hope everyone knows I am joking here.)
Seriously, I guess what I'd consider the Golden Era, just by what I like so far, would be the turn of the 20th Century up to the 1950s. I guess I watch too many Noir Films LOL.
Mark
Seriously, I guess what I'd consider the Golden Era, just by what I like so far, would be the turn of the 20th Century up to the 1950s. I guess I watch too many Noir Films LOL.
Mark
These are my sentiments, stated pretty much as I would have.The "Golden Era" is from about 1900 to World War II. Many would say from the end of World War I to the beginning of World War II. The latter gets my vote because of the huge variety of models and the amazing quality, but leaving out the Colts with the high polish from the Pre-World War I era is a tough call. The "Golden Era" is not just confined to Colts. The Winchester, Smith & Wesson, Savage, Marlin, Remington, etc. lines also exhibit the same quality and variety that did not survive World war II.
I am surprised to see anyone claim that period encompasses the 1970s! I must assume thy have not examined any Pre-War guns. There is no comparison.
My Colts span from 1913 to 1995. That's Colts golden age. Your mileage may vary. 
I'm with JudgeColt as well on this topic. What with the array of fine Colts of the 1920s-1930s combined with the finest finished and yet modern in function Colts produced prior to World War I.
Don't you mean "prior to World War II?" (Prior to World War I, there was no Detective Special, no Bankers Special, no Camp Perry, no Shooting Master, nothing chambered in .357 Magnum, no Super .38, no National Match, no Super Match, no Ace, no Service Model Ace, no Conversion Unit, no Match Target, no Woodsman Sport, no .22 caliber Officers Model Target or Official Police, etc..)What with the array of fine Colts of the 1920s-1930s combined with the finest finished and yet modern in function Colts produced prior to World War I.
The Exhibition Grade guns of that era were truly spectacular. When you understand the tools that these artists in metal had to work with, and you are a metalworker yourself, you realize they were truly something special.My selection would be the period of 1847 through 1875. Nothing surpasses, in my mind, the old plow handle single action Colts. Sure, the 'Twenties (Nineteen Twenties) era saw some great DA revolvers, but they lacked the svelte looks of the SA models.
Bob Wright
I have to go with Bob Wright and vote for the percussion era. The 1862 police with 61/2" barrel is probably the most attractive revolver Colt has made (IMHO). Then as smutt says, look at the work these guys turned out with very limited resources.
Rio
Rio
I agree with matchlock, anything with the colt symbol on it gets my interest. I think also that the time frame of the pythons would be mine.
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