Colt New Service Model 1909 US Army 5.5″ .45 Military Revolver, Holster C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,167.00
LSB#: LSB260117KP007
Make: Colt
Model: New Service Model of 1909, US Army
Serial Number: 46192
Year of Manufacture: 1911
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Barrel Length: 5 1/2″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut, each with R.A.C. inspection mark on the bottom and the serial number hand-written on the interior. The grips have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are some tiny losses around the edges. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Most remaining finish is Original to the parts, worn areas show treatment with cold blue. The cylinder has a non-matching number. The crane and latch are serial-matching.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7+/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 40% of its metal finish. The grip areas are mostly worn to white. There is other scattered finish wear, more notable on the sideplate and the right of the barrel. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screws range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Good condition.
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: Included is a WWI-era web belt with dress/garrison first aid pouch, squad leader pouch with artillery patch, sealed Bauer and Black first aid packet, and leather flap-holster with US/64 medallion securing the hanger.
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. The Model 1909 would eventually be replaced as the US Army sidearm by the 1911, but the 1909 played a part in ensuring that America’s first sidearm would be a .45. This M1909 Colt New Service was made in 1911, and is dotted with R.A.C. stamps for inspector Rinaldo A. Carr. This example is in about Good condition, showing wear consistent a service revolver, retaining a pretty good bore and strong mechanics. This will be a nice addition to a US Military sidearm, Colt or early 20th Century revolver collection, especially with the included holster rig. Please see our photos and good luck!