Colt markings

[glenjoy]

I have a question on Colt markings.

Were they stamped, engraved or etched?

How to differentiate each method of marking by looking at them?

Thanks.

[John]

Colt is stamping their markings.

[glenjoy]

Because I saw some colts that is maybe engraved, the stamping is even the WWII issues or just started on their series 70's?

Btw, is stamp marking still noticeable even after hard chrome?

[John]

I've never heard of any Colt marks which were not stamped. But I am sure others will jump in.

[Hawkmoon]

Technically, they are "roll marked," not stamped, but the difference is rather technical. Rather than have a flat die with the marking and have it press straight down on the piece on the end of a hydraulic pistol, the marking is put as raised, reversed letters onto an arched strip of metal, which is attached to a roller. The piece is then passed between that roller and a series of other rollers under great pressure, to press the markings into the metal.

Properly done, rollmarks are probably more durable than engraved markings.

[glenjoy]

I am curious about this because there so many technologies existing now on how to mark metals, and now the laser engraver exists and cnc engravers, I think knowing the difference between stamped or roll marked from engraved ones is a good way to determine authentic and fake colts.

[rekladan]

I could be wrong, but wasn't there a Gunsite model with etched markings?

[paul45]

I'm too lazy to go check, but there have been a few models/years with a laser engraving......I believe my Defender is one of them.

[cliff731]

Not a 1911... but a Colt... and the serial numbers were etched on this one.

All other markings appear to be traditionally applied as rollstamps.

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/pentaxuser01/Colt380.jpg

[wichaka]

The serial number switched to an etching with some of the series 80 pistols. My Gov enhanced has it's serial number etched........or engraved.

But the slide is still roll marked.

[Hawkmoon]

Etching for serial numbers makes sense, because each number is unique. The other markings -- the model designation, etc., are repetitive so it makes sense to make up a roll stamp for them. CNC machining might bring a change, but I've seen the actual roll stamps and held one in my hand.