Colt New Service Model 1917 U.S. US Army .45 ACP Military Revolver 1919 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1030
LSB#: 220109RB340
Make: Colt
Model: New Service Model of 1917 US Army
Serial Number: Government Serial Number: 32504, Factory Serial Number: 184297
Year of Manufacture: 1919 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Double Action Revolver 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 crane cut is marked “H”, “M”, and “184297”. The crane is marked “184297”. The left trigger guard bow has an incomplete inspection mark. The butt is marked “U.S. / ARMY / MODEL / 1917 / No / 32 / 504″. The sideplate has a rampant colt. The left of the frame above the sideplate is marked with a “JMG” monogram (J.M. Gilbert Lt.Col.). The bottom of the barrel is marked “”UNITED STATES PROPERTY””.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
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 wood panels. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some scattered minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 92% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches, mostly under the finish. There are a few spots of light surface oxidation. There is infrequent minor erosion under the finish. The action shows light operational wear with a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the head of the rampant colt is incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition as refinished.
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: With America’s entry into WWI, it was found that Colt could not produce enough Model 1911 pistols for the U.S. Army. Some .38 revolvers were distributed to rear echelon troops, guard, and the Navy, but the Army also wanted some commercial revolver production to be used for a revolver capable of using the same ammunition as the 1911 semi-auto. Both Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector and Colt New Service revolvers chambered for .45 ACP were approved as substitute standard and designated the Model 1917. Colt’s M1917 was built on the same large frame as the Colt New Service revolver, making for a very rugged service revolver. This example is in Very Good condition as refinished with the majority of its new parkerized finish remaining, a decent bore and strong mechanics. This revolver will add to a Great War small arms, Colt or early 20th Century revolver collection. Please see our photos and good luck!