Make: Colt
Model: New Service
Serial Number: 14402
Year of Manufacture: 1905
Caliber: .44 Russian
Action Type: DA/SA Double and Single Action Swing Out Cylinder 6-Shot Revolver
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 topstrap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with "COLT" in oval at their tops. The interior of the grips have non-matching serial numbers hand-scribed. The grips have even light handling wear with some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a few more notable dings around the edges. The right panel has a repaired chip-loss at the top-front corner. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition as repaired.
Type of Finish: Blue, Fire-Blue Hammer and Trigger
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered light erosion and infrequent minor pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 7/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 40% of its metal finish. The most notable finish wear is along the sides of the barrel and in the backstrap which are mostly worn to white. There is evenly scattered wear in other areas. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is scattered light surface oxidation and less frequent minor erosion. The action shows operational wear including turn-wear on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver, though we imagine doing so is a true pleasure. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The New Service revolver entered production in 1897 and was the first Colt double action revolver with a cylinder rotation to the right. The New Service was available in various calibers, but when the Army decided to adopt it in 1909, they were looking for a man-stopper to replace their New DA Army revolvers that gained such a poor reputation in the Spanish American and Philippine-American wars. The result was the .45 Colt chambered Model 1909. After the Army switched to the Model 1911 semi-auto, they wanted revolvers in the same caliber for WWI, and the Model 1917 New Service was adopted, chambered in .45 ACP.
In addition to their military offerings, the New Service was also sold on the commercial market in a variety of configurations and chamberings. This example is chambered for the less common .44 Russian cartridge with a 5 1/2" barrel and a lanyard ring on the butt, a scarce configuration for this model. The bore is still in decent shape and the mechanics are strong. It will make a nice addition to a Colt collection and may still prove to be a fun shooter for the .44 Russian enthusiasts. Good luck and happy bidding!
