Instead, everything else has a 70 as the first two digits.
But by the mid-1970s, the serial numbers stopped continuing from the numbers of the previous ones. Started in 1912, the M1911 Commercial and its A1 variant got normal serial numbers with a simple prefix and suffix. For example, there is the issue of the 1970s Colt M1911’s commercial production. That’s why it’s difficult to understand them without a point of reference.ĭesign changes can also change the look of the serial numbers. Technically speaking, Colt serial numbers tend to jump all over the place with no set pattern. If you want to know the exact age of the gun though, you’d have to find a reference table to crosscheck the characters with the manufacturing year. In other cases, the characters are simply used to show the year the item was manufactured. On the other hand, a capital C prefix or suffix is used to indicate that the model is for Commercial Use. For example, SA is Single Action, NF is New Frontier, SP is Sporter, and MT is Match Target. Some codes are pretty easy to figure out since they’re just the abbreviation of the weapon name. Just combine the methods and you should have little trouble learning Colt serial number rules and regulations.
However, usually, you can still get the general idea of the Colt code by checking out the information below. Again, some Colt models do share their codes with each other so what you find here may not be applicable in certain cases. Colt Serial Numuber Rules and Regulationsįor this part, we’ll take a look at the meaning behind the Colt serial numbers, prefixes, and suffixes on a variety of guns. It’s still the best method when it comes to reliability though.
Since it’s quite a costly method, the archive letter is often used to tie a particular firearm to a well-known individual in the past. There are other factors like special engraving and specific shipping destinations which could raise the final price substantially. It can reach up to $300 for vintage variants like the 1851 Navy. The fee is typically priced at around $100 for common products. To get the letter, you have to pay a fee, depending on your Colt model. This means that the letter descriptions may also not completely match the current configuration of your gun. Non-manufacturer markings won’t be addressed in the letter. The archive letter contains important historical facts about your gun which considerably enhances its collectible value.Ĭustom modifications like finish, barrel, and caliber changes like aftermarket engraving aren’t included though.
In the letter, you’ll find details of your firearm’s original specifications and features, plus the delivery address as well. It provides an official archive letter as proof of your gun’s history. If you didn’t know yet, Colt offers a unique research service to their customers. So even though this method is fast, it isn’t 100% efficient yet.
This is since some vintage guns have overlapping colt serial numbers with other models. And that’s why the results of the lookup won’t always be accurate yet.
You should note though, that the database isn’t totally complete yet. Click on Serial Number Lookup and then enter the serial number seen on your Colt. Simply go to Colt’s homepage and hover your mouse to the Customer Services tab. Thanks to technology, you can now look up a Colt serial number on the internet.
44 center fire caliber, serials from 1-8700, in percussion series from 67000-200614. Model 1862 Police Pocket Pistol of Navy CaliberĬirca 1868-1871. Total production (LDR suffix) about 10450. Total production (DER suffix) about 48201. Serial numbers with LDR suffix were shipped in 1970-1972. Serial numbers 49201 DER to 60201 DER were shipped in 1976. Serial numbers began at 1001 and have a DER or LDR suffix. N serial number suffix manufactured 1960-1963. D serial number suffix manufactured 1959-1963.