The fast method
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![Serial Serial](https://s3.amazonaws.com/mgm-content/sites/armslist/uploads/posts/2015/10/19/4790097_04_1950_colt_official_police_mode_640.jpg)
Colt serial rules and regulations.
Prefix and suffix
Serial numbers
Model code
- For the first digit, “1” means your Colt is the first model with a basic frame while “2”, “3”, “4” etc are the later versions. ”2” uses a frame from Colt Custom Shop while “3” utilizes a non-standard frame. “7” and “8” are employed occasionally to specify special variants.
- The second digit of the model code is the weapon caliber: “4” is .32 – 20, “6” is .357, “7” is .44, “8” is .45 and “9” is .44 – 40
- In the third digit is the caliber of the gun: “3” is 3 or 4 inches, “4” is 4.75 or 5 inches, “5” is 5.5 inches, “7” is 7.5 inches and “1” is 12 inches.
- Finally, the fourth digit is the finish or stock of your weapon: “1” is nickel or full blue finish, “2” is nickel or blue casehardened finish, “3” is nickel finish, “4” is Royal Blue casehardened finish and “6” is nickel finish. As you can see, the exact meaning of the fourth digit depends largely on the preceding digits. The fourth digit has been used many times as a way to different later models from earlier ones.
Conclusion
This revolver was shipped on August 28, 1936 to Albert Foster, Jr., Colt's Patent Fire-Arms Mfg. Company, New York Office, New York, New York. There were 100 guns in shipment. Remarks: The records further indicate subject revolver was delivered by Mr. Foster to George F. Herold in New York on September 23, 1936. At this time, the records also note that the revolver was furnished with a 3 1/2 lb. trigger pull.
George F. Herold, as an individual, was a retired New York City Police Department police officer who opened a gun & uniform shop behind police headquarters on Centre Market St. The G.F. Herold Co. went on to become a major distributor of Colt & SW, especially within the NYCPD. Almost certainly the 100 guns in this shipment were for an NYCPD class.
It is strongly suspected that this gun was a sample of a revolver Colt made up in response to S&W's introduction at that same time of a non-cataloged M&P, known as the New York Police Target Model. This was an M&P having a special width front sight and special weight trigger as well as a grooved backstrap.
Information on George Herold courtesy of R.M. Vivas Splinter cell blacklist dlc unlocker download.