COLT New Service .357 Magnum 5” DA/SA Double Action Revolver 1938 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,725.00
LSB#: LSB250731EK134
Make: Colt
Model: New Service
Serial Number: 345478
Year of Manufacture: 1938 (COLT Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT NEW SERVICE .357”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. FA. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A. / PAT. AUG. 5. 1884 JUNE 5 1900 JULY 4 1905 OCT.5.1926”. The side plate is marked with a rampant colt. The forward left side trigger guard bow is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and the rear is marked with “4”. The crane and crane-cut are each marked with the serial number, “316630” and the crane cut is also marked “T” and “Y”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a shark’s fin blade set into the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch at the end of a channel that is integral to the topstrap. The top strap along the edges of the groove is serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two piece checkered wood with Colt medallions at their tops. There is heavy wear throughout the grips with a full coverage of compressions and nicks. The checkering has been worn smooth in places. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Fair condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is light fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 65% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows intermittent finish loss, operational and handling wear. There is intermittent oxidation and minor erosion. The screws and pins have minor tool marks with strong slots. All markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 revolver was one of the most formidable double-action sidearms of the early 20th century, serving military, police, and civilian markets alike. Introduced in 1898, it became Colt’s flagship large-frame revolver and remained in production through 1944. The .357 Magnum chambering, introduced in 1935, represented the apex of power in the New Service line and was offered only in the final years of production. This makes .357-marked examples like this one—manufactured in 1938—particularly desirable to both Colt collectors and magnum enthusiasts.
This example presents with a 5-inch barrel, one of the most balanced lengths offered, and the shark’s fin front sight profile unique to late-production models. The revolver has been refinished at some point in its lifetime, showing about 65% of its blued finish remaining, but the factory markings remain legible and the action remains smooth and properly timed. The grips exhibit period wear consistent with use but retain their medallions, adding to the revolver’s authenticity.
With its bright, sharp bore and crisp mechanics, this revolver reflects the transitional era when Colt’s hand-fitted craftsmanship met the modern magnum age. The New Service in .357 Magnum was produced in very limited numbers—fewer than 5,000 are believed to have been made—making it among the most collectible variants of the model. Whether viewed as a powerful pre-war revolver or as a milestone in Colt’s evolution toward high-pressure cartridges, this example stands as a historically significant piece of American revolver heritage. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
