Colt U.S. Army Model 1894 D.A. 38 DA/SA Revolver .38 Colt MFD 1898 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,900.00
LSB#: LSB260301RW079
Make: Colt
Model: 1894 D.A. .38
Serial Number: 107068
Year of Manufacture: 1898 (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, “7068” with L and K inspection marks. The bottom of the grip frame is marked “U.S. / ARMY / MODEL / 1894 / No / 107 / 068”. The left side of the frame is marked “R.A.C.” at the rear. The bottom of the right grip is marked “R.A.C.”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “R.A.C.”. The rear face of the cylinder under the ejector star is marked “474”.
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 two piece smooth walnut. The grips have modest handling wear. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches.There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grips rate in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is light intermittent erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong. There is intermittent oxidation. There is thinning on the leading edges. The action shows operational wear. There are scattered handling marks and light scratches. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Very 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: This revolver comes with a U.S. leather holster in Good condition. The leather is still supple and pliable. There is surface cracking but no rips or tears. There is some verdigris on the brass parts.
Our Assessment: The Colt U.S. Army Model 1894 was a landmark revolver in American military firearms development, becoming the first standard-issue U.S. military revolver to feature a swing-out cylinder design. Adopted during a period of rapid technological advancement in sidearms, the Model 1894 represented Colt’s transition away from the older single action frontier revolvers toward modern double action service handguns better suited for contemporary military use. Chambered in .38 Colt, the revolver saw service during the Spanish-American War, the Philippine-American War, and other late nineteenth century U.S. military campaigns. The revolver’s smooth double action operation, simultaneous extraction system, and comparatively rapid reload capability marked a major step forward in military sidearm design. Inspector markings such as “R.A.C.”, denoting inspection by Rinaldo A. Carr, further connect these revolvers directly to their U.S. military acceptance and issue history during the closing years of the black powder era.
This example remains in Very Good overall condition and retains approximately 85 percent of its original blued finish with attractive surviving military character throughout. The metal surfaces show honest handling and operational wear along with intermittent oxidation, edge thinning, and scattered light scratches consistent with service use and age. The walnut grips remain solid with modest handling wear and no noted chips or cracks, while the included U.S. military leather holster adds significantly to the revolver’s period presentation and historical appeal. The bore remains bright with defined rifling and light intermittent erosion, rating 6 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. Markings, inspector stamps, and serial markings remain largely clear and legible throughout the revolver. Overall, this is a handsome and historically significant Colt U.S. Army Model 1894 revolver that embodies the transitional period between America’s Old West single actions and the modern military revolvers of the twentieth century. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – L.S.