A question for the gun engravers

[diandwill]

I had a guy come in today with a pair of brass backstraps and brass trigger guards. He said they are SAA made by Colt.
The older backstrap and triggerguard have really crappy scroll engraving, and somebody elses initials. He wants the initials removed and replaced with his, and the newer pieces engraved just as crappy to match.
The older backstrap has a 4 digit number stamped under where the grip would cover, and the newer triggerguard also has a 4 digit number.
My question is, do these parts with the number violate the FFL rulings? They look more like stock numbers than serial numbers, and he says they are readily available from pawn shops, on-line etc., but I am not interested in going to jail or losing my business for a small amount of money.
Thanks, Will

 

[DakotaDocMartin]

I seriously doubt Colt made those brass grip frames. I'm betting they are really Uberti or Pietta. I don't think Colt ever made a SAA with brass grip frames. The digits you see are generally the last few numbers of a serial number in order to keep all of the parts of a particular revolver together during production.

You can do about anything you want to with them and you don't have anything to worry about.

 

[Roger Bleile]

I agree with Doc. Colt never made an SAA with a brass backstrap/triggerguard. Those numbers are only assembly numbers. They are not considered a gun by ATF. In fact the parts are more likely from cap & ball revolvers, which don't classify as a gun either.

 

[Toad]

The serial number on the receiver is the one that the ATF requires and can not be altered(as in changed). You can in inlay gold(some metal) into the serial number. But it needs to be legible.
Todd

 

[Dulltool]

I also agree that the parts are not Colt SAA but rather cap & ball parts..... but they still could be genuine Colt parts.

 

[SamW]

Just be sure the customer understands that you may not be able to cut the new scroll as poorly as is on the older piece.

 

[dlilazteca]

Just be sure the customer understands that you may not be able to cut the new scroll as poorly as is on the older piece.

Please do tell us what he replies, when you tell him this. .. curious minds want to know

Saludos,
Carlos

 

[silverchip]

Just be sure the customer understands that you may not be able to cut the new scroll as poorly as is on the older piece.

LOL.

 

[jerrywh]

You really have to practice a lot to do that crappy stuff to match. It helps to use a real dull graver.

 

[diandwill]

Thank you for all the answers. He should be back in next week. I am going to try to talk him into allowing me to remove the old engraving and do all new...just simple reversing scrolls, but with the lines evenly cut, and new initials.
I'll let you guys know. Thanks again, Will

 

[Roger Bleile]

Will,

Just keep in mind that if you have to grind off the present engraving, you may alter the shape of the backstrap a little and the grips may then be oversize and need to be sanded down.