Colt Model 1896 D.A. 38 DA/SA Revolver In .38 Colt W/ Case, 1896 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
WOA#: WY240530TP045
Make: Colt
Model: 1896 D.A. .38
Serial Number: 74778
Year of Manufacture: 1896 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup/)
Caliber: .38 Colt
Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The barrel is marked, “COLT D.A. 38 / COLT’S PT.F.A MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT, U.S.A.” with patent numbers. The crane arm, crane cut, and cylinder latch are marked, “644” The bottom of the grip frame is marked, “74778” The left side of the frame is marked with the Rampant Colt.
Barrel Length: 6”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a half moon blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a U-notch grooved in the top strap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are checkered vulcanized rubber grips with the old style Rampant Colt logo at the top of each panel. The grips have light handling wear. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no rips or chunks missing. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10 for a C&R.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The grip frame is worn of finish and the exposed metal has gone to patina. The leading edges of the frame have finish loss and patina. There are small scratches and nicks throughout. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Excellent condition as C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: Padded soft case.
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1896 Double Action (D.A.) revolver in .38 caliber is a historically significant firearm that represents a key development in the evolution of military and law enforcement sidearms. As part of Colt’s New Army and Navy series, the Model 1896 was one of the first double-action revolvers adopted by the U.S. military, marking a departure from the single-action designs that had dominated the 19th century. This model, chambered in .38 Long Colt, was designed to meet the needs of military personnel who required a reliable, fast-firing sidearm in the rapidly modernizing world of firearms technology. The .38 Long Colt cartridge, for which the Model 1896 was chambered, was a standard military round of its time. While it later gained a reputation for being underpowered, especially when compared to the .45 Colt, it was considered sufficient for the needs of the late 19th century. The cartridge was designed to provide manageable recoil while delivering enough stopping power for close-quarters combat, which was typical of military engagements at the time. However, its performance in later conflicts, such as the Philippine-American War, led to criticisms and eventually to the adoption of more powerful cartridges. The Colt Model 1896 D.A. revolver featured a solid, robust construction typical of Colt’s manufacturing standards. It had a six-shot cylinder, and its double-action mechanism allowed the shooter to fire rapidly by simply pulling the trigger, which both cocked and released the hammer. This capability was a significant advantage over single-action revolvers, which required manual cocking of the hammer before each shot. The double-action design of the Model 1896 made it particularly well-suited for military use, where speed and ease of use were critical in high-pressure situations. The Colt Model 1896 D.A. revolver saw extensive use in both military and civilian contexts. It was standard issue for the U.S. Army and Navy for several years, playing a role in various military engagements. Its reliability and ease of use also made it a popular choice among law enforcement officers and civilians who needed a dependable sidearm. Despite being eventually replaced by more powerful revolvers, the Model 1896 left a lasting legacy as one of the first double-action revolvers to be widely adopted by the U.S. military.
Overall, the Colt Model 1896 D.A. revolver in .38 caliber is a historically important firearm that helped transition military sidearms from single-action to double-action designs. Its robust construction, reliable performance, and ease of use made it a valuable tool for both military personnel and civilians during its time. Today, the Model 1896 is appreciated by collectors and historians for its role in the development of modern revolvers and its place in American military history. -R.E.
