WWI Colt U.S. Model 1917 New Service 5 1/2″ .45 ACP Revolver, MFD 1919 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1125
LSB#: 210607DW07
Make: Colt
Model: New Service Model of 1917 US Army
Serial Number: 198862
Year of Manufacture: 1919 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
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 “”UNITED STATES PROPERTY””. The crane cut is marked “H”, “9”, “198862”, “V” and “3156”. The crane is marked “198862 / 3156”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “H” and under the ejector with “3156”. The sideplate has an incomplete rampant colt. The left of the frame at the top-rear has a “JMG” monogram US inspector’s mark. Markings have been removed from the butt of the frame.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall Patridge style blade. The rear sight is a “U” shaped groove in the top of the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with “COLT” in oval at their tops. The grips have a few scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, most notable at the bottom edges. The checkering and lettering are well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. Most of the balance is handling wear in the grip straps and trigger guard. There is some finish wear at the front of the cylinder. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, including some under the finish. There are clusters of nicks under the finish on the left of the frame below the cylinder and on the right in front of the cylinder. There is infrequent minor oxidation, mostly on the butt and on the right of the frame above the grip. The action shows minor operational wear including a thin turn-line on the cylinder, mostly not through the finish. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. Remaining markings are generally clear, the rampant colt and inspection mark are shallow and incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has no play with the trigger depressed on all chambers. The single action trigger pull is crisp and the double action is smooth. 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: 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. Although this revolver has seen some use, the bore is great and the action is in remarkable condition for a revolver this old. We often don’t see cylinder lockups this good on revolvers that are new in the box, let alone on those more than 100 years old. This revolver ought to get the attention of the Colt collectors out there, especially those with an interest in WWI firearms. Please see our photos and good luck!