COLT New Service .38 WCF DA/SA Double Action Revolver, MFD 1912 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1826

LSB#: 210722TS05

Make: Colt

Model: New Service

Serial Number: 56134

Year of Manufacture: 1912 (COLT Serial Number Lookup)

Caliber: .38 WCF (.38-40 Winchester)

Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “NEW SERVICE 38 W.C.F.”.  The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. FA. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A. / PAT. AUG. 5. 1884 JUNE 5 1900 JULY 4 1905”. There is a dash to the right of the patent marking. The side plate is marked with a rampant colt. The forward left side trigger guard bow is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and the rear is marked with “3”. The crane and crane-cut are each marked with the serial number, “56134” and the crane-cut is also marked “T”.

Barrel Length: 7 1/2”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a shark’s fin blade set into the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch at the end of a channel that is integral to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber panels, both of which feature “COLT” in oval at the top. The smooth edges have intermittent minor nicks. The checkering is well-defined. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: The finish is original, but the barrel may not be original to the revolver.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with well-defined rifling. There are scattered spots of light stubborn fouling.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 76% of its metal finish. The barrel has light-to-moderate thinning and scuffs that resolve into speckles of minor surface oxidation. The frame has light thinning on most edges along with a few light nicks and scuffs. The backstrap and frontstrap have gone to a light patina. The cylinder has moderate thinning on all edges as well as a few intermittent turn lines through the finish. The screws and pins have minor tool marks with strong slots. All markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Good-to-Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock up is tight on all cylinders. The double action is smooth. The single action is light and crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This is a Colt New Service Model chambered in .38 WCF (.38-40 Winchester). The New Service is a large frame revolver and it may be best known for its use as the Army Model of 1917 (in .45 ACP.) The revolver is in about Good-to-Very Good condition with 76% of its original finish remaining. If the collectors aren’t interested in this revolver, it will be outstanding for home protection and the heavy frame ought to absorb any recoil. Good luck and happy bidding!