Make: Colt

Model: New Service

Serial Number: 62636

Year of Manufacture: 1914

Caliber: Converted to .45 ACP/.45 Auto Rim (will require clip for use of .45 ACP)

Action Type: SA/DA Single and Double Action Revolver with 6-Shot Swing Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 5 1/2"

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

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are custom two-piece smooth walnut panels with a contour at their tops. The grips show handling wear with some scattered nicks and scratches. There are a few more notable dings around the edges. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 60% of its metal finish. Lanyard ring is missing from the butt. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is finish wear along each side of the barrel toward the muzzle-end, on the topstrap and handling wear in the grip areas. The rear face of the cylinder is in the white after being shaved for use with .45 ACP. There is some other scattered more minor wear. There are several scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches and some tool marks. There is scattered light oxidation and minor erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fair-Good condition as customized (see Mechanics).

Mechanics: The crane has notable play to the frame when closed. The cylinder has play when the trigger is depressed. Otherwise, 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 Service is a large frame, large caliber, double-action revolver made by Colt from 1898 until 1941. Made in various calibers, the .45 Colt version with a 5 1/2? barrel, was adopted by the U.S. Armed Forces as the Model 1909. At the time, the Webley was a standard sidearm in the British Empire, but officers were expected to purchase their own, which more often than not was Colt's New Service revolver.

This example was chambered for .455 Eley, but has since had its cylinder shaved for the use of .45 ACP with moon clips. This modification is common for Webley revolvers that made their way across the pond, but is more suited to the durable solid frame of the New Service. The revolver's crane has some play to the frame, which should be addressed prior to firing. Given its markings and 1914 manufacture date, it is quite likely that this revolver went across the pond for the Great War, came back, and saw use by an American over the last 110 years. It will make a neat addition to a WWI sidearm or Colt revolver collection. Good luck and happy bidding!