![Colt 1895 revolver serial number lookup](https://kumkoniak.com/99.jpg)
Use the Colt Serial Number Database Lookup Tool. In fact, I'm searching for just the right second generation gun to have as a shooter. If you like cowboy guns, they just don't get any better than a Colt Single Action Army.
![colt 1895 revolver serial number lookup colt 1895 revolver serial number lookup](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1524/1342/products/ONSV7427__07.jpg)
Part of the confusion arises in that the Model 1917 S&W (the Army gave the same model number to both pistols) is numbered differently.
![colt 1895 revolver serial number lookup colt 1895 revolver serial number lookup](https://images.metmuseum.org/CRDImages/aa/original/sfrl68.157.1_211389.jpg)
This number is in its own series starting at 1. I would have just kept the gun if it had been one that I would shoot, but it didn't fit that category, being a first generation gun. But the Army required a number that would be visible for inventory purposes when the gun was in a rack so Colt put what is called 'the Army serial number' on the butt. I was actively building my collection at the time. My free advice (take it for what it's worth): ask the seller before buying a First Generation Colt Do you have an authentication letter from Colt? If the answer is YES, send it to me, (mail, fax, text or email), if NO, you should factor in the cost of the letter in your offer. Who knows? She could have came back to the phone and told me it was special ordered by Bat Masterson. But, I would have been a far better informed buyer. Now, it is true that had the lady told me the gun was nickel, I still would not have known whether it was the original finish or not, because I was buying this gun online from a dealer three states away who assured me the gun was original.
![Colt 1895 revolver serial number lookup](https://kumkoniak.com/99.jpg)