Colt New Service Model 1917 Army .45 ACP 5.5” DA/SA Revolver, 1919 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,057.79
LSB#: LSB251005RB001
Make: Colt
Model: New Service Model of 1917 US Army
Serial Number: 243768 on Frame (U.S.Army Serial number 91606 on butt )
Year of Manufacture: 1919 / C&R (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup/)
Caliber: .45 ACP & .45 Auto Rim
Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The markings are all chalked for better visibility. The bottom of the barrel is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” The bottom of the butt is marked “U.S./ARMY/MODEL/ 1917” and “No. / 91506”. The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT D.A. 45”,. The top barrel address has been removed. The crane and crane cut are marked with an “S” and the Colt Serial Number “243768”. The side plate is marked with a faded rampant colt. The right grip is marked in pencil with “66985”.
Barrel Length: 5.5”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a tall blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “U” shaped groove in the top of the receiver.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece wood grips that were replaced with non-serial matching grips, but they are original period correct Colt 1917 grips. There are several small chips out of the top left grip and the bottom of each panel. There are other minimal handling marks and loss of finish. There is a lanyard ring screw hole in the butt frame with no ring attached. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Good to very good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mirror bright with well-defined rifling. There is no erosion and minimal fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its current metal refinish. There is some thinning of finish at the muzzle, on the leading edges and in high-wear areas. The balance of the finish shows handling wear. There are scattered scratches and nicks throughout. The cylinder has a turn line and wear in the cylinder stops with finish loss on the edges. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear as chalked. Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has very little play. The single action trigger pull is crisp and the double action is smooth. 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: The Colt New Service Model of 1917 occupies a vital place in United States military small arms history, born directly from the logistical demands of World War I. When America entered the conflict in 1917, production of the M1911 pistol could not keep pace with the rapid expansion of the Army. To address this shortfall, Colt adapted its large frame New Service revolver to chamber the .45 ACP cartridge using half moon clips, resulting in the U.S. Army Model of 1917. Robust, powerful, and immediately familiar to troops trained on revolvers, the Model 1917 saw extensive service overseas alongside the M1911.
Manufactured in 1919, this example represents late war and immediate postwar production, a period during which Model 1917 revolvers continued to be issued and retained in U.S. inventory. These revolvers were widely used by military police, artillery crews, tank units, and support troops, and many remained in service or reserve status well into World War II. Built on Colt’s heavy New Service frame, the Model 1917 earned a reputation for strength, durability, and controllability, while its ability to fire both .45 ACP with clips and .45 Auto Rim without clips ensured continued utility long after its primary military service ended.
This revolver retains approximately 90 percent of its current parkerized refinish, with thinning at the muzzle, leading edges, and other high wear areas, along with scattered scratches and handling marks consistent with service use. The bore is mirror bright with strong rifling and minimal fouling, rating 9.5 out of 10. The cylinder shows a visible turn line and finish wear at the bolt stops, and the markings remain clear as chalked. The wood grips appear to be replacements and show small chips and handling wear but remain free of cracks, rating in good to very good condition. Mechanically, the revolver functions correctly with solid lockup, a crisp single action trigger, and a smooth double action pull. Overall, this Colt Model of 1917 stands as a solid representative example of America’s wartime revolvers, combining historical significance with sound mechanical condition and honest service character. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bid!
BF
