Where did all the early 3-digit commercial Colt GMs go?

[Scott Gahimer]

Well...some of them became 4-digit pistols!

It might be difficult to believe, but the factory letter explains it. Colt Government Model C414 was assembled 8 August 1912, but did not have a proper serial number. The number may have been lightly stamped, partially stamped or simply mis-stamped. So the pistol had to be reworked. To track the pistol through the rework, the serial number was stamped on top of the receiver rail. The rework was completed 7 October 1912.

By the time the pistol was reworked, Colt was up in the 2100 serial range for GM pistols. The style of number changed from stylized to block.

http://i60.tinypic.com/j6obco.jpg
http://i61.tinypic.com/nb8c9d.jpg
A better shot of the reflective oil blue finish and the serial number
http://i59.tinypic.com/2ag3wpi.jpg
The original serial number of the pistol
http://i57.tinypic.com/mb6c0w.jpg
Just so you don't think I make these stories up... :)
http://i57.tinypic.com/sm359y.jpg

[Bill E]

Very interesting. Thanks for posting.

[Emri]

I once owned on from that exact time period. It too was in the 2000 number range. I don't remember if there was a number on top of the frame rails or not. I wish I had it still.

[westgard]

Wow, interesting!

[Duane Hansen]

It's really nice that the Colt letter spelled the whole situation out. If that were not the case, it would be rather difficult to convince anyone of the story. We all would think the story was what we used to call "Far Fetched."

Great story and Very Nice Pistol. Thanks Scott. Is this one yours?

[Scott Gahimer]

Yes, I would say if it were not mine.

[da gimp]

neat piece & thanks for sharing it & it's story Scott.

[Duane Hansen]

What a beauty, Scott.....