U.S. Marine Corps USMC Colt Model 1905 New Service .38 LC Revolver C&R RARE

SOLD FOR: $3,226

LSB #: 231108DM019

Make: Colt

Model: 1905 Marine Corps Revolver

Serial Number: 167 (Colt Serial 10167)

Year of Manufacture: 1905

Caliber: .38 Long Colt

Action Type: Double Action SA/DA Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT D.A. 38”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A. / PATENTED AUG. 5. 1884. NOV.6.88. MAR.5.95.”. The crane cut is marked “U” over “167”. The crane is marked “167”. The cylinder latch is marked “167” on the side. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “843” under the ejector. The sideplate is marked with a Rampant Colt. The bottom of the frame is marked “U.S. / M.C.” and “No / 167”. The inside of each grip panel has “167” hand-written in pencil.

Barrel Length: 6”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel above the muzzle. The rear sight is a U-notch grooved into the top strap.

Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood with smooth borders and smooth diamonds around the escutcheons. There are mostly light and a few moderate nicks, scratches, compressions and some minor handling marks present. There are a few spots of darkening in the wood. There are no chips or cracks present. The grips fit the frame with no movement. The grips are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Not Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates a 9 or 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its not original metal finish. The balance of finish shows a thin turn line on the cylinder and scattered nicks, scratches and some wear from handling and storage. There are some very shallow pinprick dings in the barrel near the muzzle. The cylinder appears to be a replacement based on the serial number marking. The screw heads are lightly tooled. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action does function correctly. The cylinder locks in each position with light play when the trigger is pressed. We did not fire this handgun. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic’s check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1905 Marine Corps is a .38 revolver issued by the United States Marine Corps during the period from 1905 to 1909. It is a variation of the Colt M1892 with a rounded grip frame. A small number (less than 850) are known to have been issued under military contract. These revolvers are marked on the butt with the appropriate USMC markings and are serial numbered 001 through at least 812. The mechanics are solid and the action works properly. The bore is bright with good rifling. The rampant Colt trademark is clearly visible on the left rear of frame and the USMC markings are well-struck also. The cylinder turns counter-clockwise. These revolvers saw service with Marines in Panama as well as the Cuban landings. Not a mint gun, but well refinished and a darned hard revolver to locate in any condition. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding!

-J. Ren