Colt New Service Model 1917 Army .45 ACP DA/SA Double Revolver, 1919 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1102

LSB#: 211007DW02

Make: Colt

Model: New Service Model of 1917 US Army

Serial Number: 76108

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 “N”, “835”, “227799”. The crane is marked “227799” and “5835”. 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, “S19” under and eagle’s head. The bottom of the frame is marked “U.S. / ARMY / MODEL / 1917” and “No / 76 / 108”.

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: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with well-defined rifling. There is no erosion, but moderate stubborn fouling persists throughout.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 82% of its current metal finish. A great deal of the metal appears to be shifting to a light patina, but much of the finish remains. The left side of the frame has a large area of fish loss that has filled in a bit with minor surface oxidation. The cylinder has a few light nicks on some edges, as well as a few spots of minor surface oxidation, light thinning on most edges, and a faint turn-line. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. Markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in 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, if a bit heavy. 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 Very Good condition with a decent bore and a great lock up. 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!