Who made this 1851?

[Capt. JEB Forrest]

I came into possession of two 1851's recently.

One is a steel frame Pietta made in the mid 70's.

The other is the one I would like information about. It is brass frame with some of the best case coloring and cylinder engraving I have seen.

On the right side of the frame are 2 of the usual proof marks and what I am guessing is a year code of "xx8" On the underside near the barrel alignment pins and the part not covered by the trigger guard is I assume a serial number of "11944". On the rear on either side of the hammer channel, on the flats usually covered by the grip frame; right side is a "9" I say but could be a "6". On the left side "9" small space "86", but could be "98" then "6" depending on how you look at it.

The barrel on the right side between wedge slot and screw holding the loading lever are two prrof marks, same as on frame. above that on barrel flat is"-black powder only-" then mid barrel is "36 caliber". Bottom barrel flat, hidden by loading lever is " made in Italy".  Left side of barrel between wedge slot and screw holding loading lever is "RAG".

Thanks for any information you may have.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Pietta.  For an article on Italian proofmarks see the Bluebook article linked in the Darl Arts;

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,46375.0.html

[Capt. JEB Forrest]

I see the xx8 is the year code for 1972.

But I don't see how it would be Pietta. I see no FAP anywhere on the gun. Just the RAG that I am thinking is the manufacturer.

[Advertising]

[john boy]

What is the manufacturer's logo mark on the revolvers?  The proof mark link shows the various logo marks

Finally, there is the manufacturer's mark.  This is often confusing  unless  one  is  familiar  with  the  manufacturers'
insignia.  Most use their logo, while some combine their name  and  logo,  or  use  an  abbreviation  as  their  logo.
Earlier  guns  generally  bear  only  their  manufacturers' mark, while more recent production has been seen using
both an emblem and company name.   

[Capt. JEB Forrest]

That's the point, there is no logo that I recognize.

What I believe is the manufacturers  mark is the RAG on the left side of the barrel.

[Coal Creek Griff]

A quick Google search revealed some information regarding R.A.G. markings on black powder revolvers.  Take a look at this discussion:

http://www.firearmstalk.com/forums/f22/replica-percussion-revolver-markings-wanted-12047/

This quote comes from the top of page 2: 1860 Army....................RIGARMI (Left side of barrel) RAG (Left side of barrel flat in front of cylinder)


Hope that helps.

CC Griff

[Professor Marvel]

I had to consult my notes, but RAG is one of several marks that were used by Rigarmi, Brescia Italy.
The marks varied depending on which distributer it went to.

yhs
prof marvel

P.S. - Aha, Griff , you beat me to it!

[Major 2]

You all beat me to it 

RAG =  RIGARMI Tradename of Industria Galesi, Brescia, Italy.

[Capt. JEB Forrest]

Thank you all very much.

It really is nice looking on the outside, little rougher on inside. If I could find a steel frame I would be tempted to swap it out.