Colt New Service .45 Colt Double/Single Action 6-Shot Revolver 1928 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,750.00
LSB#: LSB260602CL083
Make: Colt
Model: New Service
Serial Number: 327163
Year of Manufacture: 1928 / C&R (Colt Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “NEW SERVICE 45 COLT”. 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 Rampant Colt. The crane and crane cut are marked with “327163”. The interior of the grip panels are scribed “19162”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a clipped blade fixed to 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 hard rubber with “COLT” in an oval at the top. There are scattered handling marks, compressions, and small nicks. There is a small chip out of the right front grip panel. There are no cracks. These grips are not original to this revolver. The checkering is defined. Overall, the grips rate in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is fouling present. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. There is thinning at the muzzle, along the barrel, cylinder, grip straps, and frame edges. There are scattered scratches and compression dings throughout. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. There is a sling loop on the bottom of the grip. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup is tight with no play at each chamber. 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 introduced in 1898 as the company’s large-frame double-action revolver and became one of Colt’s most important heavy-duty handgun designs of the early 20th century. Built to handle powerful service and sporting cartridges, the New Service saw use with military, law-enforcement, and civilian shooters and was offered in numerous barrel lengths and chamberings. The .45 Colt version was among the most traditional configurations, pairing the large frame with a six-shot cylinder and robust lockwork. This 1928 example, with its 5 1/2″ barrel and fixed sights, represents a classic interwar sporting and service configuration.
This New Service retains approximately 92% of its original blue finish, with thinning at the muzzle and along the barrel, cylinder, grip straps, and frame edges, along with scattered scratches, compression dings, a cylinder turn line, and expected operational wear. The replacement hard-rubber grips rate in Good condition, with minor handling wear and a small chip in the right front panel. The bright 9/10 bore has sharp rifling, fouling, and no visible erosion. The action functions correctly with tight lockup, a smooth double-action pull, and a light, crisp single-action pull. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY