Colt New Service Model 1917 Army .45 ACP DA/SA Double Revolver, 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1176
LSB#: 220118NO015
Make: Colt
Model: New Service Model of 1917 US Army
Serial Number: 154146
Year of Manufacture: 1919 (Per R. L. Wilson’s The Book of Colt Firearms, Third Edition, Pgs. 359, 364)
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 underside of the barrel is marked with “”UNITED STATES PROPERTY”” and “293”. The crane cut is marked “N”, “835”, “227799”. The crane is marked “227799” and “5835”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “H”. The side plate is marked with a rampant colt. The bottom of the frame is marked “U.S. / ARMY / MODEL / 1917” and “No / 5 / 643”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a tall shark’s fin style blade. The rear sight is a “U” shaped groove in the top of the receiver.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut. Both panels are a bit darker from handling, minor nicks and compressions can be seen throughout. A Pachmayr grip extension to the front strap. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with well-defined rifling. There is no erosion, but moderate stubborn fouling persists throughout.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 64% of its current metal finish. The barrel has moderate-to-heavy wear throughout; holster wear at the front that resolves into scrapes and moderate nicks and scuffs. The frame has light-to-moderate thinning on all edges, and the right side of the frame is shifting to white. Light surface oxidation can be seen throughout the hammer and trigger. The cylinder has most of its finish missing, a faint turn-line, and light nicks and scuffs throughout. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. Markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has no play whatsoever with the trigger depressed on all chambers. The single action trigger pull is crisp and the double action is smooth, if a bit heavy. 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: None.
Our Assessment: This revolver was made for the U.S. Army, who wanted a revolver capable of using the same ammunition as the 1911 semi-auto. The .45 ACP rounds were loaded in 3 round half-moon clips. This revolver had stepped chambers in the cylinders, the intention of which was to allow .45 ACP rounds to be fired without the half-moon clips should none be available, although the fired cases couldn’t be ejected. This pistol will also fire and eject the .45 Auto Rim, which was a special cartridge developed for Colt and S&W 1917 revolvers so they didn’t need the use of clips. This example is in Good condition with a more than decent bore and a great lock up. Good luck and happy bidding!
