Colt British Empire New Service .455 Eley Double Action Revolver, 1914 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1325
LSB#: 210917MW57
Make: Colt
Model: British Empire New Service
Serial Number: 66569
Year of Manufacture: 1914 (COLT Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .455 Eley
Action Type: SA/DA Single and Double Action Revolver with 6-Shot Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “NEW SERVICE 455 ELEY”. 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”. The side plate is marked with a rampant colt. The left side of the frame is marked with facing broad arrows, a vertical broad arrow, and a crown over “E”. 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, “66569” and the crane is also marked “G”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a tapered shark’s fin shaped blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch integral to the top strap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber panels, both of which feature “COLT” in oval at the top. Lower edges have intermittent light nicks and compressions. There are no cracks and the checkering is well-defined. Overall, the grips rate in Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is still quite bright and the rifling is well-defined. There is no erosion, but a bit of stubborn fouling can be seen near the throat.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 84% of its metal finish. The barrel has taken on a distinct plum hue and there are several areas of light finish loss along with minor nicks and scuffs. The frame has light scuffs throughout along with a few minor nicks. The cylinder has light thinning on most edges along with scattered minor nicks and scuffs. The screws and pins have minor tool marks with strong slots. All markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double action is smooth, if a little heavy. 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: This New Service includes a brown leather holster.
Our Assessment: From Wikipedia: “The Colt New Service is a large frame, large caliber, double-action revolver made by Colt from 1898 until 1941. Made in various calibers, the .45 Colt version with a 5½” barrel, was adopted by the U.S. Armed Forces as the Model 1909.” At the time, the Webley was a standard sidearm in the British Empire, but officers were expected to purchase their own sidearm, which more often than not was Colt’s New Service revolver. This example is chambered for .455 Eley and is in overall Very Good condition with a fair amount of finish loss, but it has a bright bore, and mechanically it is in good shape. Good luck and happy bidding!