Colt New Service Model 1917 Army .45 ACP DA/SA Double Revolver, 1920 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2450
LSB#: 210918MW28
Make: Colt
Model: New Service Model of 1917 US Army
Serial Number: 114364
Year of Manufacture: 1920 (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”, “5”, “268455”. The crane is marked “268455”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “H”. The side plate is marked with a rampant colt. The left side of the frame near to the hammer has an acceptance stamp, “20” under and eagle’s head. The bottom of the frame is marked “U.S. / ARMY / MODEL / 1917” and “No / 114 / 364”.
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 left panel has a few minor dark stains, and the right has a few light nicks/compressions. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Possibly Arsenal Restored
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with well-defined rifling. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its current metal finish. The front sight has light thinning on its edges along with a spot of light surface oxidation. The barrel has a few scattered minor nicks. The frame has scattered minor nicks, with a few near the topstrap being through the finish. The cylinder has a few light nicks on some edges, as well as a few spots of minor surface oxidation, and a turn-line through the finish. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. Markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good-to-Fine condition, as restored.
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. This example is in notably good condition. The bluing is rich and consistent, the bore is in great shape, and the markings are very sharp. It is mentioned above that this revolver could have been restored (we have opted not to use the word refinished here), and there are two main reasons why: there is very minor dishing on a portion of the left side barrel markings, and there is what we believe is a Springfield Armory acceptance stap on the left side of the frame. Many of these revolvers have, for lack of a better term, a used appearance, and this lovely example is just that—lovely. 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!