Some recent conversations I've had with other 2/3rd Gen Colt collectors led me to believe that while officially Colt does not consider the 3rd Gen percussion revolvers to be Colts in the sense they will not issue Colt letters because the guns did not pass through the Colt Factory like the 2d Gen guns did. So, if a 3rd Generation percussion revolver went through Colt (for example through the Custom Shop) they may issue a letter on it. For example, I have a 3rd Gen Walker with Colt Factory Ivory Grips. When I get the time I'm going to see if Colt will issue a letter. Now, does that make that gun Colt or not? Just a thought!