Colt New Service U.S. Model 1909 .45 LC Double Action Revolver, 1911 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1450
LSB#: 210612TP17
Make: Colt
Model: New Service Model of 1909 Army
Serial Number: 48830
Year of Manufacture: 1911 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action/Double Action with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT D.A. 45”, 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 bottom is marked “”UNITED STATES PROPERTY””. The crane cut is marked “48830” and “A”. The crane is marked “K / 48830”. The cylinder latch is marked “X” and on the rear face with “8830”. The butt is marked “U.S. / ARMY / MODEL / 1909” in front of the lanyard ring, “No / 48 / 830″. The bottom of each grip panel, the right side of the frame above the grip, the rear face of the cylinder and the bottom of the barrel are each marked “R.A.C.” (Rinaldo A. Carr). The bottom of the barrel is also marked “P”. The sideplate is marked with a rampant colt over a stylized “C”.
Barrel Length: 5 ½”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall Patridge style blade. The rear sight is a square notch blade in a slot at the rear of the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the screw escutcheons. The grips have a few scattered light nicks and scratches. There is a tiny loss at the bottom-front corner of the left panel. The checkering is well defined. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout. There is some light wear on the sideplate behind the cylinder latch and the action shows minor operational wear. Otherwise, the finish has only light handling marks. There is some minor erosion under the finish on the muzzle. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear, the sideplate marking is shallow. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine-plus condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with no play on each chamber when the trigger is depressed. The double action trigger is smooth, the single action is crisp. 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: Colt came out with their large framed double action New Service revolver in 1898. The Army was looking for a large caliber double action pistol to replace their .38 caliber S&W and Colt pistols that had proved to have inadequate stopping power during the Philippine-American war, and adopted the New Service revolver chambered in .45 Colt in 1909. Later, the gun was chambered in .45 ACP and called the Model of 1917. This is a M1909 revolver that has been nicely refinished, retaining a great bore and strong mechanics. This will make someone an excellent revolver for the range or a fine example of a pre-WWI service revolver.