While photographing my recently acquired 1961 Colt 2nd Gen SAA, I noticed remnants of previous barrel markings. Knowing Colt is famous for utilizing left-over parts (sometimes years later) I suspect this is a remarked Colt factory barrel since the visible 'Colt Single Action Army .45' stamp appears consistent with other early 2nd Gen SAA revolvers. The four partial serif style characters to the left of "COLT" are similar to the font used in the Colt's address line on the same barrel.

Here are some possibilities:
• The first character is a (-)
• The second character is an (F),(I),(P),(T) or (Y)
• The third character is an (E) or (L)
• The fourth character is an (S)

You will also note the remnants of a character above the "G" in "SINGLE". So far I have been unsuccessful identifying this barrel. Any thoughts you may have are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Barrel markings (detail)


Barrel markings (left)


Barrel markings (top)


Receiver


Grip

This message has been edited. Last edited by: hjs157,

Maybe
"Test"?
Like they used it for testing something or other and decided to use it for a leftover SAA later?

Just a guess.

My guess is it was destined for some sort of commemorative that did pan out for whatever reason, they ( mostly) stripped the commemorative legend and applied standard marking over it

quote:

Originally posted by captain127:
My guess is it was destined for some sort of commemorative that did pan out for whatever reason, they ( mostly) stripped the commemorative legend and applied standard marking over it

captain127 - Following your suggestion, a bit of on-line research suggests my barrel may have been roll marked for a Colt 125th Anniversary Model (1961). The '-125' on the barrel pictured below appears to correspond with the remnants of the original markings on my barrel. Thanks for the tip!

And there you go.

I was interested in your markings too.

.