Make: Colt
Model: New Service
Serial Number: 311431
Year of Manufacture: 1920
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: DA/SA Double and Single Action Swing Out Cylinder 6-Shot Revolver
Barrel Length: 7 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 serial numbers hand-scribed, worn but appearing to match the frame. The grips have even light handling wear with a few small nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a more notable ding at the bottom-rear corner of the right panel. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There are scattered spots of pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6+/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some handling wear in the grip areas and wear on the butt from the lanyard ring with infrequent other notable finish wear. There is some scattered minor oxidation, most notable in worn areas. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear including a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very 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 classic .45 Colt cartridge with a 7 1/2" barrel and a lanyard ring on the butt. This gives the revolver a somewhat martial appearance while being able to pair the power of .45 Colt with a long sight radius for better precision. It will make a nice addition to a Colt collection and may still prove to be a fun shooter for the .45 Colt enthusiasts. Good luck and happy bidding!
