Colt New Service Model 1917 Army .45 ACP 5.5” DA/SA Revolver, 1919 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,080.55
LSB#: LSB251216DH056
Make: Colt
Model: New Service Model of 1917 US Army
Serial Number: 178707 on Frame (U.S. Army Serial number 27375 on butt )
Year of Manufacture: 1919 / C&R
Caliber: .45 ACP & .45 Auto Rim
Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The bottom of the barrel is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” The bottom of the butt is marked “U.S./ARMY/MODEL/ 1917” and “No. / 27375”. The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT D.A. 45”. The top barrel address is stamped “COLT’S P.T.FA.MFG.CO . HARTFORT CT.” with a faded line of patent dates underneath. The crane and crane cut are marked with an “A” and the Colt Serial Number “178707” and “9961”.
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 strap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are replacement two-piece checkered wood grips with Colt medallions. The grips are not serialized. The checkering is sharp and the grips have very little wear aside from minor handling and storage marks. There are other minimal handling marks and loss of finish. There is a lanyard ring in the butt frame. There are no cracks or chips. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with well-defined rifling. There is no erosion and minimal fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its current metal refinish. There is thinning of finish at the muzzle, on the leading edges of the cylinder, frame and trigger guard and in high-wear areas.. There are scattered scratches and nicks throughout the barrel and frame. 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 faint from polishing. Overall, this revolver rates in 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 remains in Good overall condition as refinished and retains about 90% of its current parkerized finish with expected handling and edge wear. The revolver is fitted with replacement checkered wood grips with Colt medallions that remain in Very Good condition. The bore is bright with well-defined rifling and the action functions correctly with a smooth double-action pull and crisp single-action break, with the cylinder locking up with minimal play. As a historic U.S. Army service revolver produced shortly after World War I, this Model 1917 represents a solid and collectible example of Colt’s large-frame military revolvers. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
BF