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Is this a Colt Shopkeeper?
altnutt
Member Posts: 80
I ran across this weird Colt. Is this a shopkeeper model? Does it look original? Barrel is 3" and grips are plastic. Serial is 62495.
Comments
http://gunnerforum.com/single-action-revolvers/2712-u-s-firearms-45-colt-shopkeeper.html
The Shopkeeper's model which is the subject of this article is of the same idea of a short fast handling sixgun, but it has the addition of an ejector rod. The ejector rod in my opinion makes it a much more appealing choice. It has a 3.5" barrel which is as short as you can go and still get some extraction on the fired cases. The barrel being 1 ?" shorter than the shortest standard S.A.A. makes a marked difference in the handling characteristics of the piece. Since I am not known for carrying a wooden dowel around in my pocket I decided that the Shopkeeper was the one for me.
The Rodeo II has a matte nickel finish which would be idea if you planed on using it in a wet or humid environment. The Cowboy and SAA are two of the company's premium finishes.
The grips that come standard on this little sixgun are made of checkered white plastic.
http://www.gunblast.com/JaredSchmidt_USFA-Shopkeeper.htm
You can call Colt with the SN and they will tell you year of mfg..Phone is on their web site.
Hope this information helps
Here is some information:
http://gunnerforum.com/single-action-revolvers/2712-u-s-firearms-45-colt-shopkeeper.html
The Shopkeeper's model which is the subject of this article is of the same idea of a short fast handling sixgun, but it has the addition of an ejector rod. The ejector rod in my opinion makes it a much more appealing choice. It has a 3.5" barrel which is as short as you can go and still get some extraction on the fired cases. The barrel being 1 ?" shorter than the shortest standard S.A.A. makes a marked difference in the handling characteristics of the piece. Since I am not known for carrying a wooden dowel around in my pocket I decided that the Shopkeeper was the one for me.
The Rodeo II has a matte nickel finish which would be idea if you planed on using it in a wet or humid environment. The Cowboy and SAA are two of the company's premium finishes.
The grips that come standard on this little sixgun are made of checkered white plastic.
http://www.gunblast.com/JaredSchmidt_USFA-Shopkeeper.htm
You can call Colt with the SN and they will tell you year of mfg..Phone is on their web site.
Hope this information helps
No need to call Colt. It was manufactured in 1881.
Thank you Spider. I am wondering if this is semi-rare since the only examples of this gun I see are modern guns. Anyone have a reference as to how many were made or what kind of value they are?
Well, hopefully, Old Colts will check in later. It's an interesting piece with features both a Storekeeper's model and of a flattop target model with the flattop frame, dovetailed rear sight and target front sight. However, the serial number range is too early for it to be a modified flattop.
I think it would be worth investing in a Colt factory letter to determine how it left the factory and to whom. What caliber is it? What are ALL of the markings on the frame and barrel and do the serial numbers match?
I was thinking about the letter as well and was wondering if someone on GB would have access to the same info Colt would have. The caliber is 45. Thanks.
Only the factory has those records but you might have a real "sleeper" there. Please provide all of the frame & barrel markings as your pics are fuzzy.
EDIT: Please take Givette's advice and post more pics. The more the better. Also, threads get locked after 10 replies so, if that happens, just start a new thread.
the top of the barrel, sides, bottom, the top of the
hammer and the triggerguard flats (all four of them).
Closeups of both sides of the frame, and a front and
rear shot of the cylinder once removed from the frame.
Best, Joe
Remember, after you construct the photos,
hit the 'preview' button. If not sharp, and in
focus, delete the photo and redo. Then, after the
photos look okay in your 'preview', hit the
'post new reply' button. Thanks, Joe
What is the frame serial number? If the frame serial number is 62,495 like the back strap, then based on all of the information I have by serial number it is too early to be an original factory Flattop Target Model. From my understanding Colt didn't produce the Target Model until somewhere in the 125,000 serial number range. However, while I can't be completely sure because of photo angles and poor focus, the top strap contour appears consistent with Target Models and the front sight style is consistent also.
From "A Study" the first authenticated Sheriff's Model was in the 77,000 serial number range; however, prototypes have been reported and you should never say never when collecting Colts or Winchesters.
An examination of the frame would be necessary to really tell what is going on with this revolver. "45 Cal" stamped on the left trigger guard bow is standard for a gun in this serial number range. If "45 Colt" is stamped on the left side of the barrel; that's proof that the barrel has been replaced since Colt didn't start stamping barrels with the chambering until the 130,000 to 135,000 serial number range.
It would appear that based on Colt configuration information that this is a made up gun. The absence of frame markings, most barrel address markings, etc. pretty much tells us the gun has been heavily buffed, probably refinished a time or two, and reconfigured.
High resolution, in focus pictures of the front sight area (top and side), the top of the barrel, junction of the barrel and frame (top), top of the frame, left side of the frame, right side of the frame opposite the base pin, etc. are really needed to tell what is right and what is wrong with the gun. It is too early for either a Sheriff's Model or a Target Model and a short barrel on a Target Model is counter productive.
You can get a letter and that would be sure fire proof of how serial number 62,495 left the factory. However, it might be a $100 or $150 expenditure (depending on whether you want the information in 3 months or over the phone) just to find out it is wrong (the odds are high that this is the case) or an ?ber rare Colt (possible, but highly doubtful).
If you can't feel the music; it's only pink noise!