Colt New Service Model 1917 Army .45 ACP DA/SA Double Revolver, 1919 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1426.51
LSB#: 210918MW24
Make: Colt
Model: New Service Model of 1917 US Army
Serial Number: 97419
Year of Manufacture: 1919 (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 “616″, “H”, “251223”, “N”, and “W”. The crane is marked “616” and “251223”. The left side of the frame near to the hammer has an acceptance stamp, “320” under an eagle’s head. The bottom of the frame is marked “U.S. / ARMY / MODEL / 1917” and “No / 97 / 419”.
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 checkered Coltwood panels. There are inset Colt medallions at the top of each panel. The smooth areas have a few light nicks and minor compressions. The underside of the panels have several minor compressions. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good-to-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with well-defined rifling. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 86% of its metal finish. The barrel has light holster wear on either side that resolves into light nicks and scuffs down the length of the barrel. The frame has minor thinning on most edges. The guard has mostly gone to white. The topstrap has several light nicks and compressions. The cylinder has minor thinning on most edges along with light nicks throughout. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. Markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good-plus 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: A brown leather holster.
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. This example is in overall Very Good-plus condition and has a bit of wear, but mechanically all is perfectly well, and the bore is clean and bright. There is what we believe is a Springfield Armory acceptance stamp on the left side of the frame. 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!