Make: Colt

Model: New Army, Model 1900

Serial Number: 162416

Year of Manufacture: 1901

Caliber: .38 Colt (Short or Long)

Action Type: Single/Double Action Revolver, Swing-Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 6”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "U"-notch integral to the rear of the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with "COLT" and rampant colt in circle at their tops. The inside of each panel has assembly number 395, the inside of the left panel is also hand-carved with "OW / Bolivar / Mo". The grips have light handling wear. There are some light nicks and scratches, mostly on the bottom faces. The checkering is generally well defined, there are a few spots of smoothed panels on the right panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original to the parts, the cylinder and ejector have assembly/serial number 950, indicating replacement.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 50% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The grip areas are mostly worn to white. There is finish wear on the right of the frame behind the cylinder, along the topstrap and along each side of the barrel, more notable on the right. Some worn areas are going to a light patina. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some scattered light surface erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fair condition (see Mechanics).

Mechanics: The hand spring is missing or broken, the cylinder will only advance if the revolver is pointed downward. When operated in single action, the hammer requires excessive force to get into full-cock and the trigger is excessively heavy. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: Introduced in 1892, the Colt New Navy and New Army revolvers were an improvement on the 1889 Navy. The models saw continuing improvement with different design changes receiving different model numbers: 1892, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1900 and 1903. This example is a commercial model produced in 1901 with a 6" barrel, chambered for .38 Short or Long Colt cartridges. The gun shows its age and has some mechanical issues that will need to be addressed before firing. This would be a great candidate for restoration and would make a good addition to a display of early swing-out revolvers. Please see our photos and good luck!