Gunsmith's Marks

[Pinto]

I've wondered in the past about how qunsmith's "sign" their work. I know some of the pretty famous craftsmen's marks are well known, but what about the local or not-so-well-known? I'm sure they take just as much pride in their work, or they wouldn't want it identified. But if the gun is passed down without credentials, how does a new owner identify the gunsmith? Is their a directory or registry (like clown faces ) for gunsmith marks?

What brought this up is a newly acquired Colt Gold Cup National Match Series 80 Mk IV that has been 'smithed into an old school hot rod. It's smooth as butter and a tack driver - I would like to find out who the gunsmith is so I can send him some work. Here is his mark - triangle with point at the bottom, some design inside I can't decipher an a stylished 'G' at an angle off the right upper point.

[BigDogatPlay]

Pretty sure that the triangle is a factory mark. My 1976 vintage Python bears the same mark, I am the original owner and it came that way out of the box.

My 1977 vintage Combat Commander bears an "O" stamp where yours has the "G", but on both sides of the trigger guard.

[sltdude]

It's factory I have the same gun mine has that mark and an S on the other side

[Pinto]

Thanks. I guess I'll have to find another way to track him down.

I looked on my other three Colts and non have a triangle mark, although two did have a letter. And all had a letter or number stamped on the other side.

[Black_Talon]

Show us more pics of your 1911, maybe someone here will recognize the work.

On 1911s, look on the bottom of the disconnector rail, that's a fairly common place for gunsmiths to stamp their name so that it doesn't show up like a billboard on the side of the gun itself.

[S.A.]

The squared trigger guard reminds me of Armand Swenson's work but I don't think gun is old enough.

[Pinto]

Thanks for the replies.

Not too much cosmetic, except the squared trigger guard and front strap checkering, but the fitting and smoothness indicate some nice hand work and care. Trigger, hammer, ambi safety, extended slide stop are not original - can't say for sure what inside is aftermarket. Barrel is orig (?) "COLT .45 AUTO". FLGR.

Disconnector rail does have a 'S' stamped on it - no other marks.

And I agree, this may be a copy of Swensen's work, but it is too new and lacks a couple of Swensen's improvements.