Spesco 1851 Colt Navy Revolver

[smitty1]

Just picked this up a while back. On one side of barrel it reads THE SPESCO CORP. ATLANTA GEORGIA. Other side reads CAL 36 MODEL NAVY 1851 MADE IN ITALY. Under the loading lever is the DGG monogram from Armi San Paolo. Has 5 digit serial number. I cannot find a date code or any proofmarks. Is this unusual? Only thing I could find on Spesco was they were an importer of various arms in the 70s and the Dixie Gun Works sold Spesco marked revolvers.
Revolver is in great condition. There was a bit of dirt around the nipples when i got it but it doesnt appear to have been fired much if at all. Anyone have any ideas about the manufacture date or lack of proof marks?

 

[Zonie]

No proof marks at all? That is unusual.

I believe the Italian government requires all firearms made there to be proofed and to carry the marks somewhere on them.

Most, if not all of them carry the marks on the frame. Some also have the stamps on the cylinder as well.

The frame stamped marks (there are two of them) usually also have a square box with the date code in it.

It might take a magnifying glass to see them but it's worth looking.

Here's a link to the date and mark codes.
http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/236956/

 

[Leatherbark]

I bought a brass frame 1860 from Gander Mountain back in the late 80's for $79. It had no proof marks or any marks whatsoever. The box said "Armsport" on it. It used the same size nipple as an Uberti. It had an 1851 Navy grip frame.

One thing amazing about this no proof mark brass frame revolver is that it stood many many rounds of .451 ball over 25 grains of 3f and was still as tight as new when I gave it to a buddy.

Never could figure out who made it

Bob

 

[smitty1]

Thanks for the replies. I have a couple different date codes and proofmark charts in my files. If anyone else cares to chime in feel free. I can't be the only person who has a Spesco black powder revolver.

 

[Poor Private]

I have a Tradtions Spiller & Burr that has no proof marks on it either. The only marking on the frame is the initials C.S. on the right hand sid near the trigger guard. I bought it used, and it came with a box. It has no proof or manufacturing marks on the frame or anywhere else, nor even any serial number. I think it was originally a kit gun, so that ay be the reason, how do you proof a kit gun?

 

[smitty1]

That's what I was thinking that this might have been a kit gun but the finish and bluing looks kinda factory to me. And like you say Poorprivate how could a kit gun be proofed? Where in West Michigan are you? I'm near Cloverville.

 

[Poor Private]

I am in western Michigan-Gun Lake(near the casino).