Colt 1895 DA question

[ncblksmth1]

I have one that I recently purchased. It has some odd marks on the bottom of the grip strap. First there is the serial number which places it squarely in 1898. Second is a number which I suppose is a rack number - N63 in a fancy script. The truly odd mark is a trident kinda mark a little further toward the end of the pistol. Anybody know about these tridents?

14648

[ncblksmth1]

Guess we dont have any knowledge on this mark.

[Emri]

This is just a guess and my thought on the subject. I'm not sure about 1895's, but on M1917 revolvers the Army put their own number on the guns that was different from the SN.

So...... Your revolver...... The SN you know, the N63 maybe a Navy number ???. The trident I've never seen before, but maybe a Navy mark ?? I've seen Navy markings from before 1898, but they were an anchor. Seems to me a trident could be associated with the Naval service somehow. If you find out more, let us know !!

FWIW,

Emri

[Johnny P]

The Model 1917 Colts were serial numbered at Colt. While Colt started the military serial number on the butt of the pistol at 1, they continued to put the Colt serial number for the New Service under the crane. Smith & Wesson only used the Model 1917 serial number.

The pistol shown does not appear to be a military pistol, and the N63 could be an inventory for a police department or some other agency that retained a number of pistols. Have no idea on the additional mark.

[ncblksmth1]

At auction arms I found a description of a gun less than 650 away (serial #) from mine. The gun has the same markings (trident & rack number) and is described as being most likely part of the revenue cutter service's weapons. Anybody gonna throw some advice on thier opinion?

[Johnny P]

There would need to be some explanation of how that branch of service was arrived at. As far as I know the revenue service ships used some variation of the American Eagle as it's symbol. Also, something that is not provable is hard to disagree with.