Custom WWI-era Army Model 1917 Colt New Service .45 ACP Revolver, 1919 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,280.00
LSB#: WY250331CF030
Make: Colt, imported by S.W. Sales
Model: Custom New Service, Model of 1917 US Army
Serial Number: Government Serial Number: 90828, Factory Serial Number: 246476
Year of Manufacture: 1919 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup/)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Barrel Length: The barrel has been cut to approximately 4 1/8″.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall shark-fin style blade. The rear sight is a “U”-notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut panels. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as refinished and/or not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Arsenal Refurbished, the barrel and front of the frame show treatment with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some infrequent minor erosion in the bore and some cold blue shows at the muzzle-end. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8+ out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its current metal finish. The balance is mostly in the barrel and front portion of the frame which show treatment with cold blue, likely due to the modification of the barrel. The finish is otherwise generally strong with scattered erosion under the finish. There are some nicks and scratches, also mostly under the new finish. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The remaining markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition as modified.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: With America’s entry into WWI, it was found that Colt could not produce enough Model 1911 pistols for the U.S. Army. Some .38 revolvers were distributed to rear echelon troops, guard, and the Navy, but the Army also wanted some commercial revolver production to be used for a revolver capable of using the same ammunition as the 1911 semi-auto. Both Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector and Colt New Service revolvers chambered for .45 ACP were approved as substitute standard and designated the Model 1917. Colt’s M1917 was built on the same large frame as the Colt New Service revolver, making for a very rugged service revolver.
This example from 1919 was produced after the Armistice in late 1918, but likely before the actual Treaty of Versailles was signed. It has a few interesting markings including a Springfield Armory refurbish mark on the right of the frame, but also with an import mark on the left. There are no foreign proofs or acceptance marks, leaving its history something of a mystery, but it intriguing that it stayed in America long enough to be refurbished and later left the country. It has also had the barrel cut back to just over 4″, making it a little more handy than the original 5 1/2″ length. In all, this is a neat example of the Colt 1917 that will add to your collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
