Colt SAA 1871 Pics and info needed

Hey guys, probably last post I will have until the possible update of my friend being able to confirm his Great Great Grandfather being in the military. Below is a pic of the number "34" scribed into the top of the frame just below the hammer. Now for an interesting story. I told him today about everything I had found out. Needless to say he became very quiet about half way thru conversation, listening intently. At the end of things he called his 80 yr old Uncle who told him the following: Your Great Great Grandfather's name was King Solomon Hopkins (no kidding), after he left the military he had a son. He was so impressed with one of the men he had served with he named his son after him ---Theodore Roosevelt Hopkins. (no kidding) Of course I had to ask; with names as colorful as these guys had what was your Grandfather's name? Glenn!! :D The Colt will stay in his safe - unfired and unaltered and hopefully remain in his family for years to come. Thanks to everyone for your help, it has been fun!
 

Attachments

  • IMG_4747.jpg
    IMG_4747.jpg
    224.9 KB · Views: 38
Don't alter ANYTHING on that bad boy until you have a serious expert's input.

A simple period-correct mod such as an ivory front sight insert won't hurt the value much if any, esp. as it doesn't affect the matching numbered parts or the gun's function.

And it's possible it's a Colt factory mod, in which it increases the value.
 
Well, there is no King Solomon Hopkins listed in the muster rolls of the 1st Volunteer U.S. Cavalry.

http://www.spanamwar.com/rrroster.htm#H

I did google King Solomon Hopkins and found a few hits, but nothing indicating any military service, although that is far from conclusive.


As far as the 34 scratched on top of the frame, that COULD be a state militia marking.
 
I never knew something like that existed Mike - that's awesome, Thanks. He spoke with his wife about all of this and they are going to spend a considerable amount of time over the weekend contacting family to see what they can learn. He may not have been part of the Rough Riders but still have served at some point in this war. I think he has already decided to get a letter from Colt, that will shed alot of light on things.
 
I really can't emphasize enough what others have said. Tell him to not do ANYTHING to that gun other than coat it with a decent gun oil. Don't turn a screw. Don't knock off a little rust. Nothing until you get a real appraisal on it. Unless he just abuses the crap out of it in the next few days, nothing is going to happen to that gun that hasn't happened in the last 100+ years.

And, having several old family guns, I'm sure he's quite proud of it. My best to the current caretaker.
 
I would just add - not only unaltered and locked away in a safe...but also at least occasionally trotted out and displayed securely for friends and family to appreciate. What a provenance it appears to have had.
 
Guys I just want to let everyone know nothing is going to happen to it - at least this weekend. I HAVE POSSESSION OF IT!!! My son just come home from college for the weekend, I just got thru showing it to him. He's still grinning from ear to ear. :D Sadly I am returning it to him Monday, he'll be lucky to get it back. :)
 
I think at this point your friend needs to consider contacting the Colt Historical society. Sometimes there are lists that can tie a certain handgun to a certain unit at a certain time.

That kind of provenance can really boost the price and sometimes can prove to be a jumping off point for finding out about the gun's post military life.
 
I'll let him know. He has already agreed that contacting Colt was probably the next step. I will definitely encourage him to do so, hopefully in the near future I can provide some great updates.
 
Definitely looks like an "Artillery" model.

Have your buddy get as much information he can on great great grandpap. Talk to Great Aunt Sally, or whomever. See if you can get his service records to see where he was. There's a governmental service that next of kin can request service records etc. Get birth dates, death dates, etc.

Then pay the $100 or $150 whatever it is these days to have Colt give you a factory letter.

Then take it to an appraiser. If you can get the research on the gun AND the soldier you will have a really nice collection piece.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top