Colt D.A 38 Help tell me what this is plaese

[Darrie]

It is a very old colt Revolver 6 shot Colt D.A 38.
The odd thing is on the left side of the gun just below the last flute on the cyclinder there is a small hole which next to it says the word "Oil". This was put on at the factory.
When you open the cyclinder there is the number 166. On the butt of the grip frame the number is 256 three numbers on top of three numbers as shown................................................................................................................. 496
The barell is 31/2 inchs. also on top of the ejector rod looks to be brass or brass colored, The grips are plastic with the colt horse logoright at the top of the left grip in the metal. On top of the barrel found the following information, "Colt's PT FA MFG. CO." "HARTFOR CT U S A" "PAT AUG.5.84.NOV.6.88.MAR.5.95."

Thank you in advance,
Darrie

 

[Oyeboten]

Images?

 

[Jim Watson]

Going to take pictures and an expert.
The "DA .38" and serial number 256496 sound like a Colt New Army model of 1902 or 1903, but I never heard of an oil hole and don't see one on the pictures I can find.

I believe the 3 1/2" barrel has been shortened, and the brass tip on the extractor rod is a replacement, they are easy to lose off.

 

[Darrie]

Thank you Jim and Oyeboten, sorry I did not have the pics then.
Darrie

 

[Colt Smith]

Also looks like the gun has a dark history judging by the notches carved in the bottom edge of the left grip panel.

 

[dfariswheel]

You have a Colt New Army & Navy Model revolver.

Its been modified with a brass ejector rod head, the odd "oil" hole and a screw added to the front of the frame, apparently to retain the cylinder.
The original cylinder retention is the screw and interlocking stud on the other side of the frame above the trigger.

The frame itself has been cut away below the crane assembly, just in front of the non-factory screw. Why this was done is anyone's guess, but possibly the crane was damaged or badly worn and this was someone's idea of a repair.

Note that these guns were made for obsolete low pressure .38 rounds like the .38 Colt Short and the .38 Colt Long.
These are NOT safe with modern .38 Special cartridges, even though they may chamber.

256 496 was made in 1904.

 

[SaxonPig]

I'm afraid that is what we call a paperweight.

 

[Darrie]

Thank you so much everyone especially dfariswheel. This site is amazing!
A paperweight it is.

 

[Jim Watson]

I think that is a standard 4 inch barrel. The barrel length on a revolver is measured from the muzzle all the way back to the cylinder face, not the front of the frame.

I agree, that screw and oil hole are either a repair or somebody's idea of an improvement to the action.

 

[Oyeboten]

The "VP" symbol stamped on the front left trigger bow top...I think began sometime in 1905...so, even though the Serial No. puts this Revolver a little earlier...it may not have been finished till 1905 or later.


I've never seen an 'Oil' sink or hole or such an "OIL" marking on any Colt or any other Hand Gun...so, that IS very odd indeed...and as others have suggesed, it may have been added privately at some point.


By 1905, the Swing-Out Cylinder mid-frame Colts had been in production for quite a while...and the 'Oil' Stamping thus is not occuring on an 'early' one for it to have been something initally peculair, and soon dropped.


Nice old Colt...lots of charater...


I like it...



And yeah...being probably .38 Long Colt...Ammo would be fairly uncommon to find...and light loads would be best.


You can shorten regular .38 Special Cases for making .38 LC for re-loads...if you wanted...they'll be perfect...


Black Powder and any old .357/358, 158 grn RNL or lighter Wad Cutters or semi-wads...and the old Colt will feel right at home...





Phil

 

[Oyeboten]

Barrel is 4 inches or better if measured corretly from the Cylinder end Forcing Cone end...

 

[Darrie]

Any ideas on what this old Colt may sell for?
Thanks, Darrie

 

[dfariswheel]

Not a lot.
To be worth any real money these earlier Colt's have to be in fairly nice condition, and all original.

Value depends on actual condition, with one one "about" 50% original finish and condition is worth around $300.
Since this one has been heavily modified, the value drops fast.

 

[Darrie]

Thank you dfariswheel. It will be my dark history paperweight.
You people sure are helpful.
Best Regards,
Darrie

 

[Darrie]

R.A. Litschert scopes, need help please

I took the end off my scope and now can't figure out how it went back togethr. I know it sounds stupid and crazy but I took out a screw to get the lens off and now can not find any hole where the screw goes back. Also should I be in a different thread? In pictuce 2 that shows about a 3/4 inch slot, could I have turned the lens enough to cover the hole? I have tried to loosen it by hand but can't.
Sorry I'm a newbe.
Thank you,
Darrie
I moved the thread to Gear and Ammunition>Firearm Accessories with pictures help if you would.
Thanks again.