Colt Cobra date of mfg.

[pdxrandy]

Can or will one of you nice folks tell me when my Dad's Colt Cobra was built. My guess is very early 50's. That is when he went from being a uniform officer to plain clothes. He passed so I can't get an answer from him

Serial number is 23556. Will you also share with me where to look this up.


Thanks in advance.
~Randy

 

[Snake Eyes]

The little blue book--Colt's Dates of Manufacture--by R.L. Wilson dates your Cobra at 1953, although it seems to indicate there should be an 'LW' following the serial number.

Perhaps Old Fuff or Dfariswheel will wander by and shed some more light.

 

[Old Fuff]

The serial number (including associated letters such as "LW") is stamped on the frame behind the crane cut-out. You'll have to swing out the crane to see it. If you don't have a reference book, go to:

www.proofhouse.com

 

[pdxrandy]

Thanks

Thanks folks! My sister took the firearm with out telling anyone, she has pulled enough other uglies that we no longer speak. At least for the last few years. I am sure there is a LW after the number Dad just didn't write it down in his little gun book.

I still have to orginal grips. Dad bought a pair of ivory grips the same day he picked up the Cobra, The factory grips I have a new never been out of the box. I wanted to know the age of the firearm so I could sell the girps correctly.

Thanks again,
~R

 

[Old Fuff]

If the revolver was made in or around 1953 they fit the first issue Cobra or 2nd and 3rd Detective Special with the so-called "long frame." as such they are two slabs of wood with no ledge at the bottom. They are hard to find these days, and I would estimate a like-new or new pair would sell in the $50 to $75 ball park, and perhaps more to a collector that's desperate.