Custom John Taffin Colt US Army Model 1917 New Service .45 ACP Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,425.00
LSB#: LSB260521SS065
Make: Colt
Model: U.S. Army Model 1917 New Service
Serial Number: 230771
Year of Manufacture: 1919 / C&R (Colt Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP with moonclips & .45 Auto Rim
Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT D.A. 45”. The top of the barrel is marked “HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” / “NE 5, 1900. APRIL 9, 01. JULY 4, 1905”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “TES PROPERTY”. The barrel markings are shortened due to barrel alteration. The left side of the frame is marked “S20” under an eagle head acceptance mark behind the cylinder. The butt of the frame is marked with “U.S. ARMY MODEL 1917” / “No. 81681”.
Barrel Length: 2.5″, The barrel has been altered from its original length.
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a tapered half-moon 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 checkered hard rubber with “COLT” in an oval at the top. There are handling scratches and compression marks. The checkering remains defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: War-time Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is defined. There is fouling present. There is no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 78% of its current metal finish. There is finish loss at the muzzle, frame and cylinder edges, and along the back strap. There is thinning along the frame and cylinder. There are scratches and compression dings throughout. There is scattered corrosion staining and oxidation freckling. There is a lanyard loop attached to the bottom of the frame. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp with tool marks. The barrel has been shortened and the front sight replaced. The markings are faint to 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 play at each chamber. 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: John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity
Our Assessment: The Colt U.S. Army Model 1917 was developed during World War I to supplement production of the M1911 pistol, adapting Colt’s large-frame New Service revolver to fire .45 ACP using half-moon clips. Built on the robust New Service action, the Model 1917 saw extensive U.S. military service and later remained popular with law-enforcement officers and civilian shooters. This example has been substantially customized from its original martial configuration with the barrel shortened to 2.5″ and the revolver refinished, creating a compact “snub” version of Colt’s large-frame service revolver. Provenance to the John Taffin Collection adds meaningful collector interest given Taffin’s extensive writing on classic Colt revolvers, big-bore sixguns, and military handguns.
This customized Model 1917 retains approximately 78% of its current refinish, with muzzle and edge wear, thinning along the frame and cylinder, scattered scratches and compression marks, corrosion staining, oxidation freckling, a cylinder turn line, and light tooling on the screws. The checkered hard-rubber grips remain in Very Good condition, while the bright 8.5/10 bore has defined rifling, fouling, and no visible erosion. The action functions correctly with tight lockup, no endshake, a crisp single-action pull, and smooth double-action operation. The included John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity adds desirable provenance to this unusual customized martial Colt. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY