John Taffin’s Colt New Service .38 W.C.F. 6-Shot DA/SA Revolver 1909 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,800.00
LSB#: LSB260521SS047
Make: Colt
Model: New Service
Serial Number: 22621
Year of Manufacture: 1909 / C&R (Colt Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .38 W.C.F., .38-40
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “NEW SERVICE 38 W.C.F.”. 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.”. The crane and crane cut are marked with “22621”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a clipped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a U-notch at the end of a channel that is integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered Coltwood with silver Rampant Colt medallions at the top. There are scattered handling marks and compressions. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is defined. These grips are not original to this revolver. Overall, the grips rate in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
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 94% of its metal refinish. There is thinning at the muzzle and along the barrel. There are scratches and compression marks. There is corrosion staining and oxidation freckling throughout the cylinder, frame, and grip straps. There is pitting under the refinished blue. There is a faint turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. There is a lanyard loop on the bottom of the grip. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in 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 Colt’s large-frame double-action revolver and quickly established itself as one of the company’s strongest and most versatile handgun designs. Offered in a wide variety of service and sporting chamberings, the New Service saw extensive military, law-enforcement, and civilian use throughout the first half of the 20th century. Chambered in .38 W.C.F. (.38-40 Winchester), this 1909 example represents one of the more desirable sporting chamberings, particularly for collectors interested in revolvers that complemented popular Winchester lever-action rifles. Its provenance to the John Taffin Collection further enhances its appeal, reflecting ownership by one of the foremost modern authorities on classic American sixguns.
This New Service retains approximately 94% of its metal refinish, with muzzle and barrel thinning, scattered scratches and compression marks, corrosion staining, oxidation freckling, and pitting visible beneath the reapplied finish. The replacement Coltwood grips remain in Fine condition, while the bright 9/10 bore has sharp rifling, fouling, and no visible erosion. The action functions correctly with tight cylinder lockup, a smooth double-action pull, and a light, crisp single-action pull. The included John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity adds desirable provenance to this early Colt large-frame revolver. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY