Make: Colt

Model: New Service

Serial Number: 323809

Year of Manufacture: 1925

Caliber: .45 Colt

Action Type: Double / Single Action Revolver with Swing-Out Six-Round Cylinder

Barrel Length: 5 1/2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a shallow groove in the top strap.

Markings: The left side of the barrel is factory inscribed “LADDIE HELLMAN” in serif block lettering. The barrel is rollmarked “NEW SERVICE 45 COLT.” The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. / PAT’D AUG 5 1884, JUNE 5th 1900, JULY 4 1905.” The sideplate bears the Colt rampant horse in an oval. The frame and crane are both marked with the serial number “323809.” The rear face of the cylinder is marked “809.” The front left bow of the trigger guard is marked with a Verified Proof and the rear bow is marked “3.” There is factory scroll engraving on the barrel, frame, sideplate and cylinder, the butt is engraved with a pair of opposing arrows flanking the lanyard loop.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece ivory. The right grip panel is deeply carved with a raised steer-head motif featuring inset ruby gemstone eyes. The left grip panel is smooth. The left grip sits just shy of flush with the front strap near the toe. The grip screw is a later replacement. Both panels exhibit natural age lines and light crazing typical of period ivory. The ivory has developed a warm patina over time. The grips rate in Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is strong. There is no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 90–95% of its original blued finish. There is thinning and finish loss at typical high-contact areas such as the muzzle and leading edges of the frame and cylinder. The factory scroll engraving is deeply cut and remains crisp throughout. The screw heads show minor tooling, with the grip screw confirmed to be a replacement. The markings and engraving remain sharp and legible. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine condition with exceptional preservation for a factory embellished revolver of its age.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly in both single and double action. Cylinder lock-up is tight with proper timing. The double-action pull is smooth, and the single-action break is crisp. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included with the revolver is a Colt factory letter dated November 17, 1989, signed by Historian Emeritus M.S. Huber. The letter confirms the revolver was manufactured in .45 caliber with a 5 1/2” barrel, blue finish, factory engraved, and inscribed “Laddie Hellman.” It was shipped as a one-gun order to Phil B. Bekeart Co. in San Francisco, CA, on October 28, 1925, under Colt Factory Order Number 10489/1. This revolver was previously part of the Charles Marx Collection.

Our Assessment: This documented Colt New Service revolver stands among the rarest factory embellished wheelguns to emerge from Hartford during the pre-war period. Factory engraved and factory inscribed with “Laddie Hellman,” and shipped as a one-gun order to Phil B. Bekeart Co. of San Francisco, this revolver checks every collector’s box—rarity, provenance, artistry, and condition. Fewer than 100 New Service revolvers were factory inscribed, and only 75 factory engraved. To find an example with both embellishments—backed by a Colt letter and further provenance—is virtually unheard of.

The revolver retains 90–95% of its original blue, with crisp scrollwork from muzzle to butt, including fine details like opposing arrows flanking the lanyard loop and deep coverage across the frame and cylinder. The ivory grips feature a carved steer’s head on the right panel with inset ruby eyes—bold Western character befitting a custom piece of this era. The left panel is smooth, with a slight gap near the toe, and the grip screw has been replaced—minor details on an otherwise outstanding presentation-grade revolver.

To elevate this even further, this revolver was once part of the Charles Marx Collection—a renowned and highly regarded Colt collection known for exceptional provenance and rarity. Whether you're a Colt historian, a custom shop aficionado, or a high-end collector, this revolver is more than just a firearm—it’s a centerpiece with pedigree, documentation, and exceptional visual and historical appeal. Opportunities like this don’t come twice.