COLT M1892 New Navy .41 Long DA/SA Double Action Revolver, MFD 1904 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1035
LSB#: 220105JM005
Make: Colt
Model: Model of 1982, New Navy
Serial Number: 235039
Year of Manufacture: 1904 (COLT Serial Number Lookup and R.L. Wilson’s The Book of Colt Firearms)
Caliber: .41 Long Colt
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT. D.A. 41”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. FA. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A. / PAT. AUG. 5. 1884 NO. 6. 88 MAR. 5. 95”. The side plate is marked with a rampant colt in a circle. The left side trigger guard bow is marked “3”. The crane, crane cut (also marked “N”), and cylinder release are marked “175”. The toe of the grip frame is marked with the serial number, “235 / 039”.
Barrel Length: 6”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade set into the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch at the end of a channel in 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. 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: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with well-defined rifling. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 84% of its metal finish. Light-to-moderate thinning is present on all edges. The left side of the barrel has light holster wear that resolves into clusters of scuffs and nicks. The barrel has spots of minor finish loss in places. The frame is dotted with light nicks and spots of minor surface oxidation. The right side of the barrel has a small cluster of moderate nicks/toolmarks near the tip. The cylinder has a distinct turn line. The screws and pins have minor tool marks with strong slots. All markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock up is tight on all cylinders. The double action is smooth, though heavy. The single action is very light. 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: Colt’s model of 1892 was the first general use double action revolver adopted by the U.S. military. This example in particular saw service with the Navy, denoted by the type of grips used. One feature that really highlights just how far back this revolver type goes is the now unusual counter-clockwise rotation of the cylinder, a holdover from the Navy model of 1889. Mechanically sound, this example has less wear than you might expect from a service weapon, and the bore is gorgeous. This revolver type is famous for being carried by Roosevelt during the battle of San Juan Hill. He later had the revolver engraved to commemorate the event. Interestingly still, said revolver was stolen from, recovered, stolen, and recovered once more to Sagamore Hill in the period between 1963 and 1996. Good luck and happy bidding!