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1878 Colt Frontier - stamped BAT?

BandR FirearmsBandR Firearms Member Posts: 178 ✭✭✭
edited April 2013 in Ask the Experts
Hi, does anyone know why it is stamped BAT? 1878 Colt Frontier, Serial #6532, 5 1/2" barrell, 44/40 caliber. Estimated value would be greatley appreciated also.

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Comments

  • john carrjohn carr Member Posts: 1,717 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    My first thought is that it may be the initials of the owner at some time or another like Ben A. Thompson the gunslinger who was killed with his friend King Fisher in an El Paso theatre and drinking establishment. I'm not certain what Ben's middle name was. What a find for you if it was his. A Colt letter may shed some light if you feel like spending that much.

    Edit: My bad, Ben and King were shot to death in 1884 in San Antonio in the Variety theatre.
  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The serial number indicates a DOM of 1881.

    I agree on the Colt letter. Addition close-up photos of both sides showing markings, will help with valuation also.

    EDIT #1, The name of John Wayne's production company was Batjac productions. I have heard about a lot of older 19th Century rifles that were used and by them, and had company markings. It's entirely possible that there are handguns as well?
  • BandR FirearmsBandR Firearms Member Posts: 178 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by rufe-snow
    The serial number indicates a DOM of 1881.

    I agree on the Colt letter. Addition close-up photos of both sides showing markings, will help with valuation also.


    Here all all the pics I have:

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    gun4.png

    gun3.png
  • perry shooterperry shooter Member Posts: 17,105 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    colt letter is a must iF YOU WANT TO SEE IF bat IS FROM THE FACTORY AND ADD VALUE TO THE PIECE
  • nunnnunn Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 36,073 ******
    edited November -1
    If you want to post pictures, use the picture icon at the top of this page. Leave the URL crap out. I have had to edit most of your posts.

    Since you use photobucket, just copy the direct link and paste. Nothing more. Thanks.
  • JunkballerJunkballer Member Posts: 9,269 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I don't think that style block lettering was around in 1881, somewhat later in the 1900's [;)]. With the landyard ring military perhaps ?? Battalion ??

    "Never do wrong to make a friend----or to keep one".....Robert E. Lee

  • hrfhrf Member Posts: 857 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Junkballer
    ;) With the landyard ring military perhaps ?? Battalion ??


    The lanyard ring was standard on that model.
  • Bill DeShivsBill DeShivs Member Posts: 1,264 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The Colt factory didn't hand-stamp uneven letters on any of their guns.
  • martinicadetmartinicadet Member Posts: 273 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Wasn' that the name of John Wayne's company that supplied movie props?
  • JunkballerJunkballer Member Posts: 9,269 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by martinicadet
    Wasn' that the name of John Wayne's company that supplied movie props?
    Batjac productions, don't ask how I know [;)]

    "Never do wrong to make a friend----or to keep one".....Robert E. Lee

  • stegsteg Member Posts: 871 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Where antique Colts are concerned, anything is possible! However, a BAT stamping on any of them will not significantly increase their value....even on a gun from the 1880's.
    Without documentation, all legends about any firearm are myths and therefore worthless. Anyone who will pay an increased price for any such undocumented firearm is also a ripe candidate for people who have Brooklyn Bridges for sale.
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