Make: Colt
Model: New Service Model of 1917 US Army
Serial Number: 275915
Year of Manufacture: 1920
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Barrel Length: 5 1/2"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The blade is not original to the gun. The rear sight is a "U"-notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood panels. The grips have minor handling wear with a few light marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished. The revolver has been through at least one arsenal refurbishment, retaining matching assembly numbers on the barrel, frame, crane and cylinder. Some parts have been replaced.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 4/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 25% of its current metal finish. Most remaining finish is in the cylinder, the sideplate, and the left of the frame with some other scattered finish in protected areas and around raised features. The head of the ejector pin is missing. There is fairly evenly scattered surface erosion and pitting. Some areas of heavier erosion have been scrubbed to white. The lanyard ring has been cut flush with the butt. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings range from worn, but legible to removed entirely, notably the Government number is missing from the butt. Overall, this revolver is in Poor condition as refinished (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The cylinder tends to over-rotate on a couple of chambers. 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 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, guard, 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. There were many still in inventory when the United States entered WWII and, for much the same reasons, they were once again pulled from inventory and issued out as a substitute standard. Most of those which were issued during WWII were arsenal refurbished and given a parkerized finish.
This example is showing its age, though it retains matching assembly numbers on the barrel, frame, crane and cylinder from a previous arsenal refurbish. It needs a little work on the timing, but this would be an excellent candidate for restoration. Please see our photos and good luck!
