1917 frames only

[exitwounds]

I noticed in Clawson's guide that sn. 210387-215386 Colt's are listed as "reserved for recievers" (frames only?). Were these made for replacements? Do any production pistols exist in this range? And would they be built with parts from the period? What do you look for when/if one is encountered? If they were only frames were these used by the Arsenals and Depots for rebuilds? Would they have inspector stamps?

[Johnny Peppers]

Serial numbers 210387 - 212516 are noted in Colt's records as "Reserved for Receivers, for Spare Parts". Serial numbers 212517 - 215386 are noted as "Reserved Numbers", and may or may not have been produced.
A certain number of receivers were produced as spares, and the first serial number group was probably those produced in 1917. Slightly over 5000 spare receivers had also been produced in 1916.

[exitwounds]

Thanks for the explanation Johnny. I received an email regarding this thread, and was given a link to an alleged example. After checking it out I noticed the name of the seller, whom is believed to be a notorious scam artist. Here is the link:
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976583827.htm

[Johnny Peppers]

The frame on that pistol actually looks legit, and since it falls into the first block of serial numbers it could have been built up into a pistol at some time after shipment.