OT (M1903) Is this right

[hsr]

This is the thumb safety (slide lock) from a Colt pocket hammerless (Model M) made in 1913.



Brunner talks about diamond and square cross hatching, but I don't see any references to serations. It this original, or, a so-so reproduction?

Thanks

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[lenb]

I've never seen one serrated like the one shown, all my reference material shows the pattern as either cross hatched or a diamond type pattern. It looks like this one may be an aftermarket replacement or someone might have fabricated it. Typically, the original finish of this part would be a bright fire blue, and this one seems to be re-blued.

Len

[hognfrog]

here is what mine looks like. Mine was made 1919.
Just like yours,but with small cuts across the ribs? Maybe somebody missed a small step in the process. Sure looks like an original part to me,maybe not original to your pistol, but I'm far from an expert!


Here an overall picture of the same pistol.

[Neal Myers]

It's definitely a replacement. But your gun has been refinished, so it makes little difference.

[hognfrog]

Neal,

I know the part is a replacement, but is it an original "Colt" part?

[jmoore]

Probably Colt, just, ummm,... tired. If you look closely, there appear to be traces of vertical serrations on his safety. If they were lightly cut (a bit more lightly than yours), then they could have been mostly eliminated by the refinisher. The best way to tell is to get a good side view to see if it's thinner.

Do you know of anyone making new safeties, otherwise?

[dbarn]

Of course it's hard to judge with a refinished pistol, but I have often thought there had to be periods of time that in regards to filing and polishing, Colt had to train apprentices to become Master Craftsmen. How much of their work was released and what they deemed acceptable, would be anyone's guess. There was no CNC machinery.