Colt New Service Model 1909 Army .45 DA/SA Double-Action Revolver, 1911 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1244
LSB#: 210930TP40
Make: Colt
Model: New Service Model of 1909 US Army
Serial Number: 44025
Year of Manufacture: 1911 (COLT Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt
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”” and “R.A.C.” for inspector Rinaldo A. Carr. The crane cut is marked “44025” over “A”. The crane is marked “K” over “44025”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “R.A.C.”. The side plate is marked with a rampant colt. The right side of the frame at the rear is marked “R.A.C.”. The bottom of the frame is marked “U.S. / ARMY / MODEL / 1909” and “No / 44 / 025”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a tall shark’s fin 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 black rubber, each with a molded ovular Colt logo at the top. The smooth areas have minor nicks and few tool marks scattered about. The checkering is well-defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good 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 77% of its metal finish. There is moderate holster wear on either side of the barrel that resolves into heavy concentrations of light scuffs and minor nicks; there are also spots of minor surface oxidation scattered about. The frame has light nicks scuffs scattered throughout and the right side has light-to-moderate surface oxidation throughout. The entirety of the grip frame and the bottom of the guard have shifted to a light patina. 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: Colt came out with their large framed double action New Service revolver in 1898. The Army was looking for a large caliber double action pistol to replace their .38 caliber S&W and Colt pistols that had proved to have inadequate stopping power during the Philippine-American war, and adopted the New Service revolver chambered in .45 Colt in 1909. In Europe, Britain was in the process of changing over from the Webley Mk IV to the Mk V when WWI broke out, forcing them to buy substitute weapons from neutral countries. Smith & Wesson provided their 2nd Model Hand Ejector and Colt their New Service revolvers. This is a M1909 Colt New Service made in 1911, and is dotted with R.A.C. stamps for inspector Rinaldo A. Carr. This example is in fairly good condition, with most wear being aesthetic. Good luck and happy bidding!