New to me EMF(ASM) Hartford Pinkerton Detective

[edwardyoung]

I just acquired this fine example of Italian craftsmanship. The serial number is SA4669. Does anyone have any opinions as to quality, approximate date of manufacture, or just where I can get some wood grips for it? My limited research found that they were supposed to be exact copies of a 2nd Generation Colt. Happily, there aren't any safety doodads on the hammer. The case-colors and the action are pretty nice. It's chambered in 45 Colt. Not too exciting, but thought I'd share my joy. I picked up a 16", pre-safety, 357 Rossi 92SRC the same day. A pretty good day, I'd say.

[cubrock]

I think it looks great, Edward. I'd be happy about the Rossi, too. Wouldn't mind havin' one a dem.

[depcon3]

Looks like a nice concealed carry rig! I like the grips on it, too. I have one of those Rossi .357 '92 copies. It sits between the night stand and bed on my wife's side. She claimed it as hers when I acquired it in a trade a few years back. It's a nice shooter with magnum loads and a creampuff with .38s in it.

Good snag!

[edwardyoung]

Thanks. I am planning on carrying it in the shop some, purely for the style points, instead of the P3AT I normally have in my back pocket.

Steve, I'll check with you first if I ever decide to move the Rossi.

[nonpcnrarn]

Although my 3 Birds Head Vaqueros are a lot stronger, I have to say that the faux CCH finish sucks compared to your gun. Also, at SD ranges I doubt Ruger Only loads are a consideration. As the owner of 3 45 Colt Birds Head Vaqueros I can honestly say: "Nice gun, very nice gun!" I wish the Montado came with Birds Head grips.

[J Miller]

edwardyoung,

That's a cute 'lil thing for sure. Since it's Italian made, somewhere on it will be a square with two letters in it. That is your date code. Here is a web page with that code and the dates: store.bluebookinc.com/Info/PDF/POWDER/MBPProofmarks.pdf

Joe

[sackpeterson]

I think ASM guns suffered a bit from the reputation that most italian guns had (Uberti...), that they used soft steels, etc. I always thought the "look" of the ASM guns was handsome and correct. They're good guns.

You should have no trouble servicing it with Colt or clone parts.

With the unique birdshead, grips will have to be done custom for that gun, you'll have to send your grips assembly to a maker.

[Boge Quinn]

I'd send 'em the whole gun and get a nice set of one-piece grips.

[44special]

Nice looking revolver Edward. It looks about perfect to ride under a fishing vest while hunting trout.

[edwardyoung]

Thanks for the replies, and compliments. After I've fully bonded with it, I may send it off for some high-dollar grips. These grips don't seem as bad as when I first saw them. Joe, I think it's from 1991. The stamping was very light. Hard to read. Thanks again