Mod 1955 rollstamp question

delcrossv · #1 04-04-2021, 11:58 PM

For the 15 or so Pre 25's in 45 Colt, were the barrels roll stamped
"45 COLT CTG" like the .45 Colt Model 1950's were? Or were they stamped otherwise?

If someone has a picture of one, it'd be appreciated too.

StrawHat · #2 04-05-2021, 05:22 AM

No help with your question but is a Model 1955 in 45 long Colt your next sought after revolver?

Kevin

Doc44 · #3 04-05-2021, 08:36 AM

There were ten 1955 45 Target revolvers in 45 Colt caliber shipped to H. H. Harris on June 19, 1959. They were each roll marked 45 COLT CTG. on the right side of the barrel exactly like the 1950 45 Target revolvers before them. There is an article on these rare revolvers by Dick King and Ray Cheely published in Volume III of the compilation of S&WCA Journals.

Bill

Wiregrassguy · #4 04-05-2021, 09:04 AM

What this is specifically about is we have identified an N target frame revolver with a non-serial numbered barrel marked ".45 Cal. Model 1955." The frame serial number is S114xxx. Also, it has a left-hand threaded, recessed .45 Colt cylinder with no serial number. We know the frame serial is well below the lowest known Model of 1955, but the question is whether this configuration could be original?

Doc44 · #5 04-05-2021, 09:12 AM

Since the frame dates to 1954 and the cylinder to 1962 or later, I don't see how the configuration could be original. I appears a former owner converted a 1950 44 or 45 Target revolver to 45 Colt caliber (new cylinder and barrel...cylinders in 45 Colt did not have counterbored charge holes...another sign of the work being done by a gunsmith outside of S&W). Is the ampersand on the left side of the barrel the modern, upright type, or the earlier type?

Bill

Wiregrassguy · #6 04-05-2021, 09:24 AM

Bill, it is modern, upright. As to the recessed cylinder, I believe I have seen it before in this forum but can't retrieve the post. It doesn't look like the cylinder was reworked. But, I suppose a good gunsmith could make it look factory original.

Doc44 · #7 04-05-2021, 10:52 AM

The modern style ampersand was introduced in late 1972 or early 1973, so this is further evidence the gun was assembled from various parts into what is seen today. A gunsmith like Hamilton Bowen could make anything a customer wants and make it look original.

Bill