Factory Engraved Colt .22 LR 6 INCH Diamondback Double Action Revolver & Factory Case
Sold For: $4.080
LSB#: 140706SR91
Make: Colt
Model: Diamondback
Serial Number: R46622
Year of Manufacture: circa 1981
Caliber: .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle
Action Type: Single and DoubleAction Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The pistol is factory engraved with a Level D, Expert quality, American style scroll pattern. On the left side of the barrel, the lettering reads “DIAMONDBACK / .22 LONG RIFLE”. The trigger guard has the Colt “VP” and Delta proof marks. There is a Rampant Colt logo incorporated within the scroll work to the rear of the cylinder. The crane cut is marked “R46622 / H”. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S. A.” The butt is marked “JAN L GWINNELL, COLT ENG. / JULY 1, 1982”. The rear of the cylinder, under the extractor is marked “622”. The right inside of the grip frame is marked “J / 190 / 30”.
Barrel Length: 6” with Full Length Vented Rib
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade pinned into the vented rib. The rear sight is a square notched leaf pinned on to the frame, adjustable for elevation and windage.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece checkered target style walnut grips are adorned with gold colored Rampant Colt medallions. The checkering shows some wear on the front of the left panel and slight wear on the right panel. There is a small compression mark on the right panel just forward of the medallion. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is a ring of erosion in the bore near the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. Other than some light marks in the matte finish on the top strap and a line in the finish on the bottom of the trigger guard, there are only light handling marks. The serrations on the hammer are sharp. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The pistol comes in a cardboard Colt box with a faux leather veneer. There is a brass colored latch on the front and two inset brass colored hinges on the rear. The lid is embossed with a Colt coat of arms bearing the inscription “VINCIT QUI PATITUR” which translates to ‘he who endures conquers’. The clasp shows a few marks and the right edge of the box has one mark through the veneer. The inside of the lid is marked “Colts Patent Repeating Pistols. / HARTFORD, CONN. / BEWARE OF CONTERFEITS & PATENT INFRINGEMENTS” and Samuel Colt’s signature. The pistol fits into a cardboard fitted tray which is lined with brown velour. The inside of the lid exhibits some surface thinning and the material at the junction with the bottom of the box has cracked through in two places and shows surface thinning over about 40% of its area. The velour has compressed areas from where the pistol rubs. Overall the box rates in Very Good to Fine condition. There is also a yellow octagonal safety warning tag which is in Fine condition.
Our Assessment: Colt manufactured the Diamondback model from the middle 1960s to the early 1990s in .22 rimfire and .38 S&W Special in a variety of barrel lengths. This is an unusually nice example of the Diamondback, factory engraved at the Colt Custom Gun Shop by Jan L Gwinnell in 1981. It is fitted with a full length vented rib, has an adjustable rear sight, walnut target grips and a wide target hammer. This is a very nice display gun, in Excellent condition with an attractive box, making it an unusual and striking addition to a Colt collection.
