Colt 1897 SAA 'VP' and 'T' Marking

[Zircarg]

I just received a Colt 1897 41 SAA 4.75" I purchased at auction. To my great surprise, it has the Verified Proof (VP) mark stamped into the trigger guard. I didn't think that Colt stamped these until later in the transitional period about 1900/1901.

I wasn't expecting to be able to shoot modern powder in it, but I'll use light loads...perhaps Trail Boss.

Additionally, it has a 'T' mark stamped on the opposite side guard. Is anyone familiar with such a mark used on Colts? Thanks!

 

[Moe]

Even though my Colt SAA is a black powder frame from 1893 I use Trail Boss and Unique powder kept to light loads. No issues so I am sure your post 1895 frame is fine for smokeless powder.

Cheers
Moe

 

[jord21]

There is a book out there that claims the “T” stood for targeted much like a rifle comes today with a test target. But according to others it’s an inspectors stamp. The “T” inspector was from 1906-1907 then replaced by inspector “W”. You say it’s from 1897, I wonder if it was sent back for a re-work and the cylinder and barrel replaced for smokeless.. with the VP mark..? You should get a colt letter for it. It might hold some answers for you. It comes with the shipment date but if you want DOM apparently you have to specifically ask, I didn’t know that so mine just has the shipment date. Not a huge deal but you might as well ask for it. Good luck! Jordan.

 

[whiskeywillow]

That Colt was likely returned to factory sometime after they started the VP distinction. For awhile, protocol was to refit any guns returned with new barrels and cylinders so the guns could properly contain the pressures of the current smokeless munitions on the market, and then were stamped VP and given inspector marks (like the T) to show someone at the shop did such work

Turn of the century, Colt was content that their frames and the heat treat they were instilling in them was sufficient to handle the transition to new smokeless ammunition.. the soft barrels and older wrought iron cylinders were the parts they knew couldn't safely withstand it. That's why many older blackpowder guns have the VP.

You have a very special Colt ! Hang onto it.