This may be a bonehead question...

I have come into a Colt 1902 Automatic. From the SN, it was manufactured in 1906. I know the guy I got it from acquired it in the early 1980's from a guy who needed money. So, is there any way to find out this gun's life from 1906 to the 1980's?

Thanks.

Call Colt and get a Historical Letter. There is a list of which guns they "can letter". If yours is on the list they can do some on the phone and then send out a hard copy later on. It will give you and idea of who and where it was shipped to and the configuration when it left the factory (finish, grips, engraving etc.) I've got one for my grandfather's SAA and going to get another for another of his Colts too.

It's never been used in a crime and thereafter impounded, so I'd guess finding its path through history would be difficult. I am no proponent of records of private sales, by any means. I am guessing you want to know who all has owned it in all these years? Maybe I'm wrong...

Yeah - I just thought it would be cool. I'm NOT going to send Colt $100 for there "letter" as I just don't care that much. I guess I will be content to imagine I own John Dillenger's favorite personal weapon.

Thanks.