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colt 44 black powder

rellimrellim Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
edited May 2010 in Ask the Experts
I am trying to find out about a colt 44 cal. dragoon model usmr patent no.287. made in Italy. who made it ,when, a replica cheap or high end? please help thanks

Comments

  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If it's marked made in Italy, it's a replica. They have been imported since the 1960's. Chances are it's not worth a lot of money, although some are collectible. Post quality close up photos for more information on DOM and/or manufacturer.
  • rellimrellim Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    i have the patent number and serial no. does that help/
  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by rellim
    i have the patent number and serial no. does that help/


    One of the Italian Proof Marks will be a coded date. This will give you the year it was manufactured.
  • rellimrellim Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    what would a proof mark look like?
  • Spider7115Spider7115 Member Posts: 29,704 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by rellim
    what would a proof mark look like?


    You may see some Roman numerals or letters. You should also see some kind of symbol like a diamond or double letters that will identify the maker. Give us EVERY marking you find.
  • rellimrellim Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    a star circled by maybe wreath and the letters PN under it ?
  • rellimrellim Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    and another star same way some type of coat of arms under it. and it has XX9 stamped below the cylinder?
  • Spider7115Spider7115 Member Posts: 29,704 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by rellim
    and another star same way some type of coat of arms under it. and it has XX9 stamped below the cylinder?


    The star, coat of arms and PN symbols are the Gardone, Italy proofmarks. The "PN" stands for "Pulvero Negro", Italian for "Black Powder". The XX9 indicates a manufacture year of 1973.

    There should be one more symbol indicating the maker's mark: This could be underneath the loading lever on the barrel or possibly on the frame underneath the trigger guard.
  • rellimrellim Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
    edited November -1
  • rellimrellim Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    i have a patent no 287 and a ser. no stamped on it five times (7287)
    please tell is it worth keeping?
  • Spider7115Spider7115 Member Posts: 29,704 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by rellim
    marco?

    OK, that would be Armi San Marco. If you google them, you'll find a lot of information.

    I can't say if it's worth keeping or not. It could be a fun shooter but have it checked out by a qualified gunsmith first. As a collectible, it has very little to no value, but it may be of sentimental value to you. Market value would probably be in the $125-$150 range.

    The original Colt Dragoon was a cavalry revolver and they were carried in saddle holsters due to their massive size and weight. That led to the development of the Colt Model 1860 Army which could be worn on belt holsters.
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