Colt "Factory" Ivory Grips/Stocks Questions

[Onomea]

I say "factory," in quotes, because I have read that Colt did not actually make their ivory grips, but subcontracted the work out. I do know that Colt shipped guns with ivory grips.

These fit an I-frame, like my late '50s Three-Fifty-Seven, as shown. Other I-frames include Python, Trooper, Official Police, New Service. My guess — is these are prewar, but it's only my guess.



If memory serves, I bought these about 15 years ago from Amoskeag Auction.

Can you Colt guys confirm that these stocks/grips were subcontracted by Colt, and that when it shipped guns with ivories, these were the type used? How about the name of the subcontractor grip maker, and the years the Colt factory shipped with these grips? Any other facts known would be appreciated.

 

[2152hq]

In the 1980's, I'm told a company named Altamont made the ivory pistol grips for Colt.
I think they are still in biz, but probably not the ivory grip business.

The 3 holes in on the back side of the grip panels I have been told by more than a few Colt 'experts' tells you that the grips are Colt Factory made.
The significance of the 3 holes was for some sort of holding fixture for the panel while being shaped and otherwise worked on.

So on one hand they are made at the Colt factory if they have 3 holes on the back.
On the other, Colt farmed out the production of ivory grips at some point.

When either of these different forms of ivory grip procurement occured I don't know,,, or if the info is even correct.
Just what I've been told ....
Beautiful Colt BTW!!

 

[jag312]

I have a set of ivory grips for a Colt Gov't Model. On the back is written "Hand Crafted For Colt Firearms".

 

[colt_saa]

Over the decades Colt has had both in house grip makers and contracted grip makers.

I have Colts with Factory supplied Ivory and I have others that were made for me by a former Colt Factory grip maker

However most of my Colt Ivories are on 1911s

Either way you have a nice looking set of grips

 

[CptCurl]

I remember that John Elimo made ivory grips for Colt. He had a separate company and would take orders other than from Colt also.

I have a set of elephant ivory grips for a 1911 he made that are complete with a proper Colt medallion. Same as factory.

This is a horrible picture of them that I just snapped. But it gives you a peek.

They are lying idle just now while my National Match sports around in stag.

He has different shoes for different occasions!

Curly

 

[Lonestar57]

Another example of Colt factory Ivory grips. For Colt 1903/ 1908 Pocket Hammerless:

 

[Onomea]

Thanks for the helpful comments and pix, gents.

What do you make of my grips having silver medallions? I think — strictly my guess — that Colt grips were likely all silver medallioned until the Python came about, 1954, at which point Colt inserted gold medallions into the wooden grips for Pythons.

I think ivory grip makers of Colt grips then followed suit with gold medallions to get a premium look. I think prewar Colt ivory grips were all silver medallioned.

But again, my guess only.

Edited to add: Per a 2017 thread on the Colt Forum, I think my grips date from 1924 to the early 1940s. colt grip medallions | Colt Forum