Colt New Model 1901 Army .38 Colt Double Action 6″ Revolver, MFD 1901 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,077.00
LSB# LSB251030RN012
Make: Colt
Model: New Model 1901 Army Double Action Revolver
Serial Number: 154699
Year of Manufacture: 1901 / C&R
Caliber: .38 Long Colt
Action Type: Double Action Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT.F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. / PAT AUG.5.84 NOV.6.88 MAR.5.95”. The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT. D. A.38”. The bottom of the grip frame is marked “U.S./ARMY/MODEL/1901″ and with the Serial Number “154 / 699”. The cylinder release is marked with the assembly number “4699”. The crane and cut are marked “4699” with various proof marks. The cut is also marked “U” and “Z” and the crane is marked “K”. The left side of the frame is marked “L.E.B.” and with the U.S. Inspector’s mark “R.A.C.” The rear face of the cylinder is also marked “R.A.C.”
Barrel Length: 6″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is a notched top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are original two-piece wood grips. The grips are stamped with the “R.A.C.” U.S. inspector’s stamp on the heel of each grip panel. There are no cracks or chips. There are several deep compression marks on the heel and the right grip panel, one of which may appear to be a crack in the photos but it is not. There is a lanyard ring in the bottom of the grip with a lanyard attached. The grips rate in Good to Very Good overall condition as a C&R.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is slight erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7.5/10
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 25% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is turning to plum patina and shows general operation wear. There is thinning on the leading edges with scratches and scuffs throughout. There is more finish loss around the muzzle, front sight and cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good to Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has some light play with the trigger depressed on all chambers. The single action trigger pull is crisp and the double action is smooth though heavy. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Leather U.S. flap holster, Lanyard
Our Assessment: The Colt New Model 1901 Army represents an important chapter in the evolution of U.S. military sidearms at the turn of the twentieth century. Adopted as an improvement over earlier Colt double action service revolvers, the Model 1901 was developed in response to military experience during the Spanish–American War, when shortcomings in earlier revolvers became evident. Produced by Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company, the New Model 1901 featured a strengthened frame, improved lockwork, and was chambered in .38 Long Colt, the standard U.S. Army revolver cartridge of the period. These revolvers were issued during a transitional era, just before the Army’s eventual shift toward larger caliber handguns following combat experience in the Philippines.
This 1901-dated example retains strong military character, evidenced by crisp U.S. Army markings on the grip frame, original inspector stamps, and matching assembly numbers throughout major components. The original wood grips, each stamped with the R.A.C. inspector’s mark, remain intact and well-fitted, showing honest service wear without cracks or chips. The presence of the lanyard ring and accompanying U.S. flap holster further reinforces the revolver’s martial context and period-correct presentation. The bore remains bright with sharp rifling, showing only slight erosion consistent with age and service use.
Overall condition reflects a revolver that saw real military duty rather than later refurbishment. Approximately a quarter of the original blue finish remains, with the balance having transitioned to an attractive plum patina across the frame and cylinder. Wear is concentrated at the muzzle, front sight, frame and along leading edges, while markings remain clear and legible throughout. Taken as a whole, this Colt New Model 1901 Army revolver stands as a well-preserved and historically significant U.S. service sidearm from the dawn of America’s modern military era, offering strong collector appeal rooted in authenticity and documented military use. Please see our high quality photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!!
BF
