Cloned .45 Colt 1909?

[Dmtz]

I swapped out a few photos from my original post to add others that show the inside of the grip with the stock removed and a view of the crane. I defer to the experts, but it seems to my untrained eye that the inner parts resemble somewhat the component parts of a Colt .45 1909 that Ironhorse1 sent to me in a web link:

http://www.allworldwars.com/Colt's%20Double-Action%20Revolver%20Caliber%2045%201909.html

Originally, I did not see any markings whatsoever - but after closer inspection, I noticed some numbers on the crane - it appears to have five numbers; the first and fifth seem to be 5 and 7 respectively, the others are too worn for me to make out. I guess this could be a serial number?

[pitfighter]

Spanish or Belgian clone of a Colt.
These were often not proofed to modern standards if any, so use caution shooting it.

[ironhorse1]

Colt or Colt clone

http://www.allworldwars.com/Colt's%20Double-Action%20Revolver%20Caliber%2045%201909.html

What did I win?

No markings is it a clone?

irh

[CALI-gula]

http://www.allworldwars.com/Colt's%2...45%201909.html


What did I win?

No markings is it a clone?

irh

Definitely a clone. No markings on left side plate or barrel, and look at the poor fit of the side-plate to frame, and crane to frame areas, let alone the shape and cut of certain features is rougher or rounder than can be seen in most any pic of a 1909. The screw bottom middle of the frame looks off, and edges of the cylinder look a bit different. The barrel doesn't appear as tapered as on the Colt.

Also, what seems to stand out the most is the crane's pivot at the yoke appears to have a ring-like design that splits over the axis, rather than Colt's full piece yoke covering the whole axis.

.

[john myers]

?

any markings under the grips?

[gun toting monkeyboy]

Pitfighter pretty much called it. Both Spain and Belgium had tons of little shops turning out copies of popular designs by the job lot. The fact that yours has no markings at all makes me think Spain is more likely, as Belgian guns usually at least had proof marks. The quality of the Spanish guns varied greatly. Some were well-made by skilled craftsmen. Think Old World craftsmanship. Some were assembled by drunken monkeys out of pot metal and cheap iron. Think Century Arms. I would take it to a gunsmith for a quick once-over if you plan on firing it. I would also keep the loads light, like those used for cowboy action shooting.

-Mb

[Dmtz]

Thank you all for your input and help with describing this revolver. I've learned a lot and it's been fun researching the origins of this gun. My father picked it up on a jaguar hunt in the Yucatan nearly 60 years ago. My guess is that it could have been a military service weapon during the Mexican revolution. I don't plan to fire it -- but if I ever get the urge, I will definitely have it checked out first by a local gunsmith. I wonder if it would help with further identification if I remove the stock plates to see what was on the inside? Thanks again everyone!

[Marquand]

Thank you all for your input and help with describing this revolver. I've learned a lot and it's been fun researching the origins of this gun. My father picked it up on a jaguar hunt in the Yucatan nearly 60 years ago. My guess is that it could have been a military service weapon during the Mexican revolution. I don't plan to fire it -- but if I ever get the urge, I will definitely have it checked out first by a local gunsmith. I wonder if it would help with further identification if I remove the stock plates to see what was on the inside? Thanks again everyone!

While pulling off the wood grips carefully may shed more light, I'd advise against any further disassembly. Assuming the revolver is a Colt copy, who knows what kind of clockwork nightmare could be lurking inside and who knows how difficult it may be to reassemble. Better to have an intact mystery than a pile of parts as a family heirloom.