Colt New Service Model 1917 Army .45 ACP DA/SA Double Revolver, 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1136.18
LSB#: 210811DW08
Make: Colt
Model: New Service Model of 1917 US Army
Serial Number: 76976
Year of Manufacture: 1918 (Per R. L. Wilson’s The Book of Colt Firearms, Third Edition, Pgs. 359, 364)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT D.A. 45”, the top is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. / PAT’D AUG. 5, 1884. JUNE 5, 1900. JULY 4, 1905”. The underside of the barrel is marked “”UNITED STATES PROPERTY””. The crane cut is marked “H”, “L”, “227693”, and “19743”. The crane is marked “227693”, and “19743”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “H”. The side plate has a worn rampant colt. The left side of the frame near to the hammer has a proof stamp. The bottom of the frame is marked “U.S. / ARMY / MODEL / 1917” and “No / 76 / 976”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a tall Patridge style blade. The rear sight is a “U” shaped groove in the top of the receiver.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut. The grips are overall dark in appearance, and have light-to-moderate nicks and compressions most notably on the right panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Good-to-Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Likely Arsenal Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is rather bright with well-defined rifling. There is no erosion, but there is moderate stubborn fouling throughout.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 77% of its current metal finish. The frame has light thinning on all edges as well as light nicks throughout. The barrel has minor thinning at the muzzle and light nicks and scuffs primarily on the right side. The barrel also has a larger mark that runs in a spiral pattern from about midway to the frame. The cylinder has a turn line through the finish along with light thinning on most edges. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. Markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Good-to-Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has no play whatsoever with the trigger depressed on all chambers. The single action trigger pull is crisp and the double action is smooth. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This revolver was made for the U.S. Army, who wanted a revolver capable of using the same ammunition as the 1911 semi-auto. The .45 ACP rounds were loaded in 3 round half-moon clips. This revolver had stepped chambers in the cylinders, the intention of which was to allow .45 ACP rounds to be fired without the half-moon clips should none be available, although the fired cases couldn’t be ejected. This pistol will also fire and eject the .45 Auto Rim, which was a special cartridge developed for Colt and S&W 1917 revolvers so they didn’t need the use of clips. Although this revolver has seen some use, the bore is in rather good shape and the action is in remarkable condition for a revolver of this age. We often don’t see cylinder lockup this good on revolvers that are new in the box, let alone on those more than 100 years old. This revolver ought to get the attention of the Colt collectors out there, especially those with an interest in WWI firearms. Good luck and happy bidding!