Colt New Service Model 7 1/2″ .45 LC Double Action Revolver, MFD 1920 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1186.11

LSB#: 210607DW06

Make: Colt

Model: New Service

Serial Number: 308958

Year of Manufacture: 1920 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .45 Colt

Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “NEW SERVICE 45 COLT”. The top 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 crane cut is marked “308958 / F”. The crane is marked “308958”. The left trigger guard bow is marked with a “VP” in triangle and “3”. The sideplate is marked with a rampant colt. The inside of each grip panel has “191700” hand-written.

Barrel Length: 7 ½”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall Patridge style blade. The rear sight is a “U” shaped groove in the top of the receiver.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut panels. The grips have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a more notable scratch on the left panel below the screw escutcheon and some more notable marks on the bottom faces. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

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.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is handling wear in the grip areas. There is some finish wear along each side of the barrel, most toward the muzzle-end. The frame has some scattered finish wear, most notable on the right-rear where there is also some surface erosion. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs, scratches, and some minor surface oxidation. The action shows light operational wear with a thin, faint turn-line. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has no play with the trigger depressed on all chambers. The single action trigger pull is crisp and the double action is smooth. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This is a Colt New Service Model chambered in .45 COLT. The New Service is a large frame revolver, and came in several chamberings including .38-40 and .45 ACP. It may be best known for its use as the Army Model of 1917 (in .45 ACP.) The 7 1/2” barrel on this revolver makes for a long sight radius which will be nice for target shooting or even handgun hunting. The revolver has honest wear given its age, retaining a great bore and strong mechanics. It should have a lot more life left in it. Please see our photos and good luck!