I've recently seen a Colt Navy which carries an inscription on the back strap. The inscription gives the rank of Capt., the officer's name and his regiment. He was in the 95th Regiment of Foot (Derbyshire Regiment), and served in the Crimea. In 1857 he left the Regiment after being promoted to Colonel and Commanding Officer. He then joined the Grenadier Guards and retired in 1872 when he was enrolled into the Yeoman of the Guard.
I was very interested in purchasing the gun but it just isn't right as it's serial number shows it having been made in 1866 and he was at that time in a different regiment with the rank of Colonel.
From a photo, the inscription looks of the period and appears to have been applied at the time. The gun has all matching numbers and the back strap hasn't been over stamped.
If the inscription is of the period, he must have owned the gun but it's still puzzling.
Your comments would be appreciated.
Ian.