Colt 1860 army and 1851 Navy grip numbering style

[BMWMilhist]

Hey guys,

In advance of receiving a few recommended texts on the subject, I was hoping some of our members could clarify something for me. Were the grips on 1860 army and 1851 navy revolvers always serialized, and if so was it pencilled/inked/stamped? I’ve heard this was inked in the blackstrap groove, but have also heard some didn’t have visible markings, etc.

Does anyone have an example picture or some insight? Thanks much!

Brandon

 

[dixda]

My 1851 Navy (1853 SN) appears to be pencil in the grip groove.

 

[BMWMilhist]

Thanks Dixda, I’ve found that on several others as well. I’ve seen it very clearly on high condition Guns, slightly obscured by stains and oil on others, and completely gone on the last subset showing significant use (which makes sense w pencil I suppose).

Appreciate the note on your example as another sample. Cheers.