COLT New Service .38-40 WCF DA/SA Double Action Revolver, MFD 1933 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,900.00
LSB#: LSB260224HE243
Make: Colt
Model: New Service
Serial Number: 336528
Year of Manufacture: 1933 / C&R
Caliber: .38-40 Winchester Center Fire
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “NEW SERVICE 38 W.C.F.”. The top of the barrel 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 side plate is marked with a Colt Rampant. The crane cut is marked “336528”, “L”, “U”. The crane is marked “336528”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with a VP in a triangle proof at the front and “S” at the rear.
Barrel Length: 4 1/2”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a shark’s fin blade set into the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch at the end of a channel that is integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two piece checkered wood panels. There are scattered handling marks, compressions, and small nicks. The checkering is well-defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: 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 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong. There is light thinning on some of the leading edges. There are a few scattered handling marks. The action shows light operational wear. The screws and pins have minor tool marks with strong slots. All markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double action is smooth. The single action is light and crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Colt New Service was Colt’s premier large-frame double action revolver, introduced in 1898 and built to handle the powerful service and sporting cartridges of the early twentieth century. Larger and more robust than Colt’s medium-frame revolvers, the New Service saw use with military, law enforcement, outdoorsmen, and commercial shooters, and it served as the basis for several important Colt martial revolvers including the U.S. Model 1909. By the 1930s, the New Service had become one of Colt’s most respected heavy revolver platforms, valued for its strength, smooth lockwork, and excellent machining. Chambered here in .38-40 Winchester Center Fire, a cartridge originally introduced for Winchester lever rifles in the 1870s and later adapted to revolvers, this example offers a desirable old-west crossover chambering with strong appeal to collectors of both Colt revolvers and classic WCF cartridges.
This 1933 example presents in Excellent condition, retaining about 98 percent of its original blue finish with only light thinning on some leading edges, a few scattered handling marks, and minor operational wear. The markings remain clear throughout, and the screws and pins show only minor tool marks with strong serviceable slots. The two-piece checkered wood grips are in Very Good condition, showing scattered handling marks, compressions, and small nicks, but no chips or cracks, with well-defined checkering. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly, with a smooth double action pull and a light, crisp single action break. Overall, this is a handsome prewar Colt New Service in the desirable .38-40 WCF chambering, retaining strong original finish and classic Colt large-frame revolver appeal. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – L.S.