Make: Colt
Model: New Service Model of 1917 US Army
Serial Number: 264253, Arsenal Overhaul Assembly Number: 4904
Year of Manufacture: 1920
Caliber: The chambers have been reamed out for .45 Colt
Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Barrel Length: 5 1/2"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall Patridge style blade. The rear sight is a "U"-notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with "COLT" in oval at their tops. The grips have fairly even light-moderate handling wear with more notable wear along the back of the right panel. The right panel has a loss at the bottom-rear which has been mostly filled. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The checkering ranges from fairly well defined to worn smooth. Overall, the grips are in Fair-Good condition as repaired and not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Refinished after Arsenal Refurbish. Assembly numbers match on the frame, cylinder, crane and barrel.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some scattered light erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 7/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its current metal finish. There is infrequent flaking at edges and some spots of oxidation through the finish. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, some in and some under the finish. Some areas of the finish are a little cloudy. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are disfigured with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete, the Army model and number markings have been removed from the butt. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition as refinished and customized.
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 standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: With America's entry into WWI, it was found that Colt could not produce enough Model 1911 pistols for the U.S. Army. Some .38 revolvers were distributed to rear echelon troops, guards, and the Navy, but the Army also wanted some commercial revolver production to be used for a revolver capable of using the same ammunition as the 1911 semi-auto. Both Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector and Colt New Service revolvers chambered for .45 ACP were approved as substitute standard and designated the Model 1917. Colt's M1917 was built on the same large frame as the Colt New Service revolver, making for a very rugged service revolver.
This example features assembly numbers on the barrel, frame, crane and cylinder, consistent with those applied to revolvers which went through an Arsenal overhaul to ensure that hand-fitted parts could be re-assembled after the new finish was applied. Since leaving service, the revolver has seen customization including a new nickel finish and the chambers reamed out for the use of .45 Colt cartridge. This interesting revolver will make an interesting addition to a collection and is a prime candidate for restoration. Please see our photos and good luck!
