Make: Colt

Model: New Line, .38 Caliber, Second Model

Serial Number: 11536

Year of Manufacture: 1880

Caliber: .38 Colt, Short and Long

Action Type: Single Action Side Loading Gate Revolver

Barrel Length: 2 1/4"

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

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood. The grips have some light nicks and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered light erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6+/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is some flaking at the muzzle, at the cylinder gap, and the front of the cylinder with infrequent other minor finish loss. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches with infrequent minor oxidation. The left of the frame has "3411" stamped through the finish twice. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear, including the etched panel on the left of the barrel. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-Excellent condition as Antique.

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 requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Colt New Line Single Action Pocket Revolver represents Colt's entry into the competitive late nineteenth century market for compact cartridge pocket arms. Introduced in the 1870s, the New Line series was designed to compete directly with Smith and Wesson’s popular rimfire revolvers, offering a slim, easily concealed sidearm for carry during the post Civil War and early frontier periods. Though modest in scale, these revolvers were widely purchased and reflect Colt’s willingness to adapt to the rapidly changing firearms landscape of the cartridge era.

Chambered for .38 Short and Long Colt, this New Line is the 2nd Model, featuring the now familiar loading gate. It is an interesting specimen with a strong etched panel on the barrel and the great majority of its original nickel finish. It is also intriguing for the markings on the left of the frame, "3411", which appear to be some type of inventory or rack number, possibly even for a police force. As an honest and unaltered survivor from Colt's early cartridge period, this New Line revolver will make a wonderful addition to any collection, and a fun research project to determine the significance of the markings on its frame. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid!