Colt U.S. Army Model 1909 New Service .45 Colt 5.5” DA/SA Revolver 1911 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,475.00

LSB#: LSB260505HE004

Make: Colt

Model: U.S. Army Model 1909 New Service 

Serial Number: 46046

Year of Manufacture: 1911 / C&R (Colt Serial Number Lookup)

Caliber: .45 Colt and compatible with .45 Colt Model 1909. (.45 Colt Model 1909 has a larger rim.)

Action Type: Double Action Revolver with 6-Shot Swing Out Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT D.A. 45”. 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 bottom of the barrel is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” / “RAC” / “P”. The left side of the frame has the Rampant Colt intertwined with a ‘C’. The butt of the frame is marked with “U.S. ARMY MODEL 1909” / “No. 46046”. The right side of the frame is marked with “R.A.C.” and a circled WCP inspector mark. The rear face of the cylinder is marked with “RAC”. The rear face of the cylinder latch is marked with “6046”. The interior of the grips are penciled with the matching serial number. The bottom of the grip panels are marked with “RAC”.

Barrel Length: 5.5”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a clipped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “U” shaped groove on the top strap.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece, smooth walnut with brass escutcheons. There are handling marks, compression dents, and minor scratches. There is a minor chip on the bottom of the left panel. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips rate in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There are tool marks inside the muzzle end of the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 8.75/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 70% of its metal finish. There are scattered handling scratches and compression dings. There is finish loss at the muzzle and along the leading edges of the frame and cylinder. There is thinning along the barrel, cylinder, frame, and grip straps. There is corrosion staining and freckling throughout. There is no finish remaining on the lanyard loop. The cylinder shows a turn line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this revolver rates in Good condition

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The single action trigger pull is crisp and the double action is smooth. The lockup is tight with no perceptible play at the chambers. There is no endshake. 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 U.S. Army Model 1909 was adopted as an interim service revolver after combat experience in the Philippines renewed military interest in a large-caliber handgun. Built on Colt’s massive New Service frame, the Model 1909 used a six-shot swing-out cylinder, 5 1/2″ barrel, fixed sights, and conventional double-action lockwork. Standard .45 Colt cartridges of the period had relatively narrow rims that could occasionally slip beneath the revolver’s simultaneous extractor, prompting Frankford Arsenal to develop the .45 Model 1909 cartridge with an enlarged rim for more reliable extraction. The Model 1909 served only briefly as the Army’s standard sidearm before the adoption of the M1911 pistol, but it established the large-frame Colt as a proven military revolver and directly preceded the .45 ACP Model 1917. Examples retaining their government-property markings, inspector stamps, matching numbered components, and original military stocks remain desirable U.S. martial handguns.

This 1911-production Model 1909 retains approximately 70% of its original blue finish, with scattered handling marks, edge wear, thinning, corrosion freckling, and a cylinder turn line consistent with military service and age. Its matching-numbered frame, cylinder latch, grips, and visible martial markings are notable positives, while the walnut stocks remain in Very Good condition with only a minor chip. The bright 8.75/10 bore has sharp rifling, though tool marks are present near the muzzle, and the action functions correctly with smooth double-action operation, a crisp single-action pull, tight lockup, and no endshake. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY