Colt Police Positive revolver question

[neverenoughguns]

I know this is the smith forum but I don't typically even look at Colts.... I saw one the other day that did not have a serial number in the usual place. Does anyone know if there was a time when Colt did not have serial numbers on their revolvers?

 

[OFT II]

Did you look at the frame with the cylinder open? That's where they should be.

 

[neverenoughguns]

Did you look at the frame with the cylinder open? That's where they should be.

Yes I did. I am curious if someone removed the number and/or if the pistol was manufactured prior to serial numbers being stamped...

 

[glowe]

Colt serial numbered every revolver back to the 1830s when they introduced the Patterson. If you found a Colt without a serial number on the butt frame - either the bottom of the front strap, it has been removed, making it an illegal firearm to own according to the BATF.

I am aware of some valuable collector revolvers have been re-stamped to make them legal again using the serial number from the various parts that were stamped.

 

[neverenoughguns]

Colt serial numbered every revolver back to the 1830s when they introduced the Patterson. If you found a Colt without a serial number on the butt frame - either the bottom of the front strap, it has been removed, making it an illegal firearm to own according to the BATF.

I am aware of some valuable collector revolvers have been re-stamped to make them legal again using the serial number from the various parts that were stamped.

So what you are saying is that if I see the owner again at the local range, I should advise him to take a chop saw to the revolver frame if he wants to stay out of club fed.... I don't have any idea what he has into the revolver $ wise but it can't be enough to risk trouble....

 

[glowe]

If it is a Colt Police Positive, I assume that would place it as a modern firearm. I do not know the laws in FL, but if it ever goes to a state that requires registration, it would most likely be confiscated. I would tell the owner to have a professional refinisher re-stamp the serial numbers as they would look on another Colt of the same model. Of course, if registration is not required and as long as the owner keeps it, chances are that no one would notice the missing serial number.

 

[Tired Gunsmith]

Some very early double action Colt revolvers such as the "New Police" had the serial number 'engraved' on the flat of the butt, rather than in the usual place on the crane and in the frame where the crane rests.
We have seen these butt numbers so faint as to cause us to take the gun apart, and in most cases found the number on the back of the sideplate as well.

 

[Texas Star]

Regardless of state laws, FEDERAL law requires the number. Call ATF for details.

I think they make provision for getting the number assigned and stamped, but don't know how to avoid duping another Police Positive serial number. I guess you just have to know the range or pick a non-typical Colt number. I'd sure try to get a letter authorizing the work and noting the new number.

This is a very serious matter, and needs to be dealt with ASAP.

 

[2152hq]

IF,,,the BATFE numbers the gun it will most likely have an 'ATF' prefix#. They will assign the number.
Or they may confiscate the gun.

I've had two such (handguns) come through that had ATF ser#'s on them. One was a stolen/recovered that was re#'d before being returned to the original owner.
Original ser# had been scrubbed by the thieves.
Even though the original was known (revolver was in NCIC), it was not restamped on the frame. The ATF# was used instead.

The fed law is simple,,Alteration, removal or obliteration of a firearms manufacturer placed serial number is unlawful.
Possession of a firearm with such is also unlawful.
Both are felonys under GCA'68.

Maybe the Colt P/Positive was never numbered in the first place. I'm sure some lunch box specials & parts walked out of the plant over the years.

 

[neverenoughguns]

This is a very serious matter, and needs to be dealt with ASAP.

Couldn't agree more. If I see the guy, will inform but it is possible that I was not looking hard enough at the revolver to find the numbe. Not being familiar about colts (the cylinders rotate the wrong way) I assumed that the number might be under the grip somewhere was I was not looking or assumed that earlier ones were not numbered....