More info on Colt D.A. 380

[Mudslinger]

I posted a thread earlier about this gun, but here are a couple of pics and all the info I can find on the gun.


On the left side of the barrel is the Colt D.A. 380

On top of the barrel is printed in 2 lines:
FGCO Hartford. CT. U.S.A.
1884 Nov.6.88. Mar.5.95

On the bottom of the grips on the part of the frame of the gun is this:
USN
an Anchor symbol
38D.A.
No.
7842
NCT
70
937

Also on the cylinder release the numbers:
862
You can also see the same numbers on the inside of the frame when the cylinder is open.





Not sure what happened to the pics?

[Ag 96]

Very nice Colt Model 1892 made in 1896 and accepted into the us navy. Caliber is 38 long colt.

Interesting thing about it is that the 38 Long Colt was so underpoeeed when used in the Phillipine insurrection, the army reissued Colt SAA in 45LC cause the 38 essentially wouldn't penetrate a paper bag.

[Ag 96]

I'm not sure what's up with the NJ stamped on the side of the frame.

Also, i suspect that's not the original barrel. All frame stampings are right, but a USN 1892 should have a six inch barrel, at least according to my book.

[Drycreek3189]

Unless it's been refinished, it's in very good condition. Drop an email on Garry James at GARRY.JAMES@OUTDOORSG.COM for more info and approximate value.

What Ag96 said !

[Mudslinger]

This gun was purchased by my biological father before he died in New Jersey from another gentleman. My biological father was in the military when he died. Unfortunately I never knew him, I was too young. My Mom has had the gun since then and just gave it to me this week.

[Ag 96]

This gun was purchased by my biological father before he died in New Jersey from another gentleman. My biological father was in the military when he died. Unfortunately I never knew him, I was too young. My Mom has had the gun since then and just gave it to me this week.

It's a nice piece and looks to be in great condition. This model was part of a long line of Colt double action revolvers that gave rise to the New Service and Police Positive, amongst many others. A lot of the different models look virtually identical.

Although not extremely valuable, the Navy markings give it a certain panache. In addition, the experience with this round in the Phillipines led to many trials that, ultimately, resulted in the .45acp and 1911.

I'm speculating, but I bet the gun was sold to New Jersey law enforcement (hence the NJ stamp) and possibly reworked with a shorter barrel at that time. Very cool piece with some nice history!

[Mudslinger]

It's a nice piece and looks to be in great condition. This model was part of a long line of Colt double action revolvers that gave rise to the New Service and Police Positive, amongst many others. A lot of the different models look virtually identical.

Although not extremely valuable, the Navy markings give it a certain panache. In addition, the experience with this round in the Phillipines led to many trials that, ultimately, resulted in the .45acp and 1911.

I'm speculating, but I bet the gun was sold to New Jersey law enforcement (hence the NJ stamp) and possibly reworked with a shorter barrel at that time. Very cool piece with some nice history!

Thank you for the information guys. Since it was my biological Dad's gun, it will not be up for sale or trade. Just wanted to know a little about the piece. He probably bought it in the early 50's as I was born in 53 and he died shortly after.