Would like to identify an older gunsmith's work...

Forum,

"Picked" up an older Colt last week.  I'm interested if anyone recognizes the smith... Clues from seller was that the smith was from Steadman, NC.  Possibly John Vibeki (?).

Anyone familiar with the gunsmith and his work?

Thanks,

Chris G...now in SWLA

Do you have any pictures that you can share?

No pics.  A little more description:  heavy slide (older Bomar), the only really unique feature is that it has the "tiger" type stippling that Clark does.  Except this stippling is done from top, down.  Nice work.  The trigger is probably the best I've felt in a while, but I haven't looked in detail at the ignition set yet.  Nice pre 70s model.

CG

Decent pictures would allow more clues to solve your questions.

nice gun, however it looks like a hundred others, most of the old smiths did the same kind of thing and used the same parts.

Sometimes the way the front strap is done can give a clue, Clark used a sharp tiger tooth pattern, its not one of his, Jackie best did a deep punch stippling sort of like this and some other like Melvin Forbes did cross thatch checkering.

The way it comes to a point under the trigger guard made me think about Melvin's checkering.

Was there any engraving between the slide and the frame or under the grips?  Anything engraved in the magazine well or under the mainspring housing?

I was going to ask if OP removed the grip panels and slide to check for initials or the like ?

Clarence

I hadn't thought about checking under the panels. When I get a chance I'll disassemble and check.  Thanks, cg

I HAD ONE LIKE THAT YEARS AGO. WITH THE STIPPLING TO A POINT UNDER THE TRIGGER GUARD. IT WAS A SHOCKEY FROM THE 60'S. NOT SAYING THAT'S WHAT YOU HAVE. JP

shome10x wrote:Forum,

"Picked" up an older Colt last week.  I'm interested if anyone recognizes the smith... Clues from seller was that the smith was from Steadman, NC.  Possibly John Vibeki (?).

Anyone familiar with the gunsmith and his work?

Thanks,

Chris G...now in SWLA

Could the name be John Videki? Here is a link to a story that might help: http://forum.trailersailor.com/post.php?id=1326440

An update... Previous owner purchased from the original buyer.  The pistol is an early sixties model and was modified for a brother who competed.

The last owner provided a tag with hand written notes about the pistol from the original buyer. It does seem that John Videki "built" the pistol back in the mid sixties (Stedman, NC).

I haven't had time for a close diss-assembly, but the trigger is definitely machined to fit the track (machine marks on side of trigger).  Interesting...

CG