John Taffin’s Colt New Service 38 Special 6″ DA/SA Revolver Action 1934 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,129.00
LSB#: LSB260521SS022
Make: Colt
Model: New Service
Serial Number: 338119
Year of Manufacture: 1934 / C&R (Colt Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “NEW SERVICE 38 SPECIAL”. The top of the barrel 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. OCT. 5.1926.”. The side plate is marked with a Rampant Colt. The crane and crane cut are marked with “338119”.
Barrel Length: 6”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a clipped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch at the end of a channel that is integral to the topstrap. The topstrap is finely serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered hard rubber with “COLT” in an oval at the top. There are scattered handling marks, compressions, and small nicks. The front and back edges of the grips have been altered to fit the grips straps, though remain proud against the straps, as the grips are not original to this revolver. The bottom of the right grip panel has a repaired crack. There is a small chip out of the left grip panel. The checkering is defined. Overall, the grips rate in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is fouling present. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 83% of its metal finish. There is finish loss at the muzzle and leading edges of the frame and cylinder. There is thinning along the barrel, grip straps, cylinder, and trigger guard. There are scattered scratches and compression dings throughout. There are abrasions on each side of the frame. There is oxidation freckling on the barrel and frame. There is a turn line on the cylinder and carbon rings on its face. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup is tight with no play at each chamber. 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: John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity
Our Assessment: The Colt New Service was introduced in 1898 as the company’s large-frame double-action revolver and became one of Colt’s most important heavy-duty handgun designs of the early 20th century. It was offered in a wide range of powerful service and sporting cartridges and saw use with military, law-enforcement, and civilian shooters. Chambered in .38 Special, this 1934 example represents a less common target and sporting configuration within the New Service line, combining the large frame, 6″ barrel, fixed sights, and robust lockwork that made the model highly regarded. Provenance to the John Taffin Collection adds meaningful collector interest given Taffin’s extensive writing on classic Colt revolvers and traditional sixguns.
This New Service retains approximately 83% of its original blue finish, with muzzle and edge wear, thinning along the barrel, grip straps, cylinder, and trigger guard, scattered scratches and compression marks, frame abrasions, oxidation freckling, a cylinder turn line, and carbon rings on the cylinder face. The replacement hard-rubber grips rate in Good condition, with altered edges, proud fit, a repaired crack, and a small chip. The bright 9/10 bore has sharp rifling, fouling, and no visible erosion. The action functions correctly with tight lockup, a smooth double-action pull, and a light, crisp single-action pull. The included John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity adds desirable provenance. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY