Make: Colt
Model: New Service Model of 1917 US Army
Serial Number: Factory Serial- 185547, U.S. Army number- 33532
Year of Manufacture: 1918
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 P.T.FA.MFG.CO . HARTFORT CT." with a line of patent dates. The crane and crane cut are marked "185547", the cut has assembler mark "M". The sideplate has a rampant colt. There is a small "H" inspector mark on the bottom barrel flat, crane cut, rear face of the cylinder with circled "JMG" on the left of the frame above the sideplate. The bottom of the barrel is marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY". The butt is marked "U.S. / ARMY / MODEL / 1917" and "No. / 33 / 532".
Barrel Length: 5.5"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a tall blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a "U" notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut. The interior of each grip has the serial number hand-written in pencil. The grips have even light handling wear with some scattered nicks and small scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling including copper on the lands. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. Most of the balance is handling wear in the grip areas and some minor wear at the muzzle-end of the barrel. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation. There are some scattered minor scratches and scuffs. The action shows light operational wear with a thin turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are strong. Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: Included is a total of eight half-moon clips, two-piece craft box with model information stamped on one end, and a Colt Archives letter indicating this revolver shipped in its current configuration to the Ordnance Base Depot, Bush Terminal, Brooklyn, NY on Feb. 16, 1918 as part of a shipment of 3,600 guns. The Army number is hand-written on the bottom of the box in pencil.
Our Assessment: The Colt New Service Model 1917 holds an important place in U.S. military history, developed to meet urgent sidearm demand during World War I when production of the M1911 pistol could not keep pace. Colt adapted its robust New Service revolver to chamber .45 ACP using half-moon clips, resulting in a durable and effective sidearm that saw widespread use among American forces. This example, manufactured in 1918 and accompanied by a Colt factory letter, is directly documented as part of a shipment to the Ordnance Base Depot in Brooklyn, adding historical provenance and collector appeal.
Model 1917 revolvers were widely issued to troops and many remained in service well into the interwar period. With the outbreak of World War II, many were issued to rear echelon troops or for security at military or industrial installations on the home front. During the inter-war years and WWII, many of these revolvers were refurbished and given a new parkerized finish. This example remains in Very Good condition with strong original blue finish, correct markings, and a bright bore with well-defined rifling. It shows expected handling wear consistent with issue, while maintaining excellent mechanical function with tight lockup and smooth trigger operation. With its documented military shipment, included accessories, and solid overall condition, this is a highly desirable and historically significant Colt revolver for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Please see our photos and good luck with your bids!
