In The Mornin You Go Gunnin'

[Seahawk]

Interesting last week. I spoke at a UAS Expo at the Persidio in San Francisco and then rolled in some family business, finishing settling my fathers estate and visiting relatives over the weekend.

My daughter flew up from Phoenix for the weekend and we were able to spend a few days pounding around a lot of places I frequented 40 years ago as an 18 year-old rafting guide. The more things change.

These two spoons followed me home.

The first is my Dad's 1911 Lightweight Colt Commander he bought and took to Korea and later Vietnam. It has been fired in anger (he was pissed at a recalcitrant C-Rat) and carried quite a bit. Lots of wear and tear that will never be repaired.

The second is a New Army and Navy revolver made in 1901. It belonged to my mothers father who was a Warrant Officer in WWII. The revolver was an endless source of Army versus Navy banter between the service members in the family who fought in our countries wars. When my grandfather died he specifically gave it to my father, who then specifically passed it to me.

Lastly, a picture of Arden and I at a place called Chilli Bar on Route 193 down from Placerville. I started running rivers there for hire when I was 18. My Dad and I had kayaked the river, the American, when I was 14.

I rafted for hire all through the west, including the canyon.

There is a lot of family history in area.

The other cool thing is I got to meet Tobra for a few minutes and do a parking lot exchange of spoon chow, a good number of .45 and .38 Again, Toby, thanks for your help.









I have no idea how to turn the pic!!!

[sammyg2]

A little mother's polish and elbow grease will have those things looking good as new in no time.

[rusnak]

Oh man, I love the revolver.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by rusnak

Oh man, I love the revolver.

It was re-blued in the 1950's so the value to a collector isn't much. But, as you might expect, the thing has so much intrinsic worth to me I simply can't believe it is here.

I'm going to find a 'smith who knows Colts to make sure I can shoot it.

[craigster59]

I don't know which is better Paul, the family spoons or getting to spend Father/ Daughter time in the beautiful Sierras. Congratulations!

[rusnak]

Oh yes, for sure who cares about collector value? I need to post some of the valuable family stuff that I have, which belonged to my grandpa and great grandpa. I treasure them with all of my heart.

Thank you for posting these great pics.

[tabs]

Originally Posted by rusnak

Oh man, I love the revolver.

That is NOT a S&W 38 Spl round but the anemic 38 LC round. U try and fire a 38 spl round through that pistola and you might be missing your hand. Another problem with those is that the actions are considered to be weak, Colt rectified the problem along about 1907. As a consequence the value on those is like that of an ugly and dull step child, LOW.

Further the reason why the 45 ACP was developed was because the 38 LC didn't stop hopped up Moro's in the Philiphines in the early 1900's. The Army needed something more potent, so J Browning went to work designing, ultimately worked out the 1911. Meanwhile the Army took the by now venerable SA 1873 Colt reworked them, shortening the Barrel to 5.5 inches calling them the Artillery Model, reservicing them to the troops in the Philiphines among other places. Also in or about 1909 the big framed New Service was chambered for 45 LC and later 45 ACP (mdl 1917). the NS was also popular within the Commonwealth many going to Canada (The Monties) and during the war to Britain chambered in .455.

[quicksix]

Great stuff, beautiful spoons ,even better history.My wife and I spent a week after getting married at a B+B at Chili Bar. We fell in love with that area and moved up shortly after.
Thanks for posting.

[tabs]

Ya shoulda been running a Dredge up there cause there is GOLD up in them thar hills.

[speeder]

Great photos!

[herr_oberst]

And you fire till he is done in
But they catch you at the border

Good story Seahawk. Great treasures. Great family!

I'm glad you choose to stay on this board and post frequently, even if it all does go sideways sometimes!

[onewhippedpuppy]

Very cool Paul.

[Rick V]

Very nice

[enzo1]

[sammyg2]

So did you ever get your water back?

the suspense is killin me.

[on2wheels52]

Her mother must be very beautiful
Jim

[mreid]

Great stories and beautiful patina on those family pieces, Paul. Thanks for sharing.

[Por_sha911]

go back, jack, do it again...

[speeder]

Originally Posted by on2wheels52

Her mother must be very beautiful
Jim

And she's not short, he's huge. That's a dad you don't want to mess with.

[fred cook]

Originally Posted by tabs

That is NOT a S&W 38 Spl round but the anemic 38 LC round. U try and fire a 38 spl round through that pistola and you might be missing your hand.

Tabs is correct about the cartridge for your revolver. The good news is that 38 Long Colt and 38 Short Colt are both fairly easy to find. Expect to pay about $40 per box of 50. It wasn't until 1904 that Colt started offering these guns made for the 38 Special round. That was the year that Colt brought out the Officers Model (April, 1904). At that time, Colt reduced the bore diameter to work with the 38 Specials smaller diameter bullet and changed the cylinder from being bored straight thru to one with a reduced diameter lip at the front of the cylinder. At any rate, you have a nice example of an early DA Colt that you really don't want to damage! Good luck and happy shooting!