Remington Markings

[VAR99]

In going through earlier posts there was a reference to markings applied to RR .45's pre and post parkerizing, but no specifics that I could fine. Could someone elaborate on this (or point me to the right posts), as this would be very helpful to ID refinished pistols.

tnx

Vince

[Doran]

www.coolgunsite.com contains pictures of Remington Rand markings.

[VAR99]

Thanks Doran, I did find that site and they have great photos, but they don't discuss which markings were applied when. I am referring back to an old post on this forum which indicated that some markings where applied before and some after parkerizing, but did not specify whihc ones. Is that correct and if so which ones?

Thanks

[billsr]

After finish: serial number; "P" proofs on top of slide & frame; inspector's initials - F.J.A.; Ordnance wheel, right side behind right grip. Feed ramp should be in the white, milled, but not polished.

[exitwounds]

According to Clawson all the Remington Rand pistols with the old "No" (("o" is underlined) that were Dulite blued the finish is before the finish (I believe some exceptions have been found) these would be serial numbered 955000 or less. Applied after the finish were the "P" proofs marks, "crossed cannons" Ord. Dept. final Inspection mark, the FJA inspector mark, and various numbers/letters found on the trigger guard after @1.3m range used to signify various factory inspections. The feed ramp on the frame was machined after the finish, showing tooling marks.

[TattooPaul]

I have turned up some further serial# info about RR's that the "No" was replaced with "NO" about serial 995000 and intermingled with the others until around 1016000. These new stampings were moved to final production (AFTER finishing) and they abraded the numbers and left a bright finish inside. (pages 59 - 60 of the '03 edition). If your serial is one of these later ones it should have damged original finish if not redone.

Of course I will defer to Doran and Exitwounds if they find differently.

_Paul

[VAR99]

Thanks Gents, exactly the info I was looking for.

Vince

[exitwounds]

Sometime around the 955000 sn range, is when the sn# started to begin being applied after the finish. The highest Dulite finished pistol I have heard of that is believed to be original by some very knowledgable collector's was in the 1018XXX range. Also the type II logo has also been observed on original pistols with both the "No" ("o" underlined) as well as with the NO. serial number prefix. In the range listed above 955000 - 1018000 or so should be closely observed. Typically on a near mint or excellent condition pistol it is easier to determine if the serial number is before or after the finish. Dirt, crude, age, etc. will sometimes require one top lightly clean the markings with something non abrasive, such as a toothbrush. Then use a magnifying glass or loupe, hold the pistol at various angles, and in good lighting, also feel the areas as often they are uneven or lightly jagged.