Make: Colt

Model: 1901 New Army

Serial Number: 198962

Year of Manufacture: 1903

Caliber: .38 Colt

Action Type: Single/Double Action Revolver, Swing-Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 6"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tapered, rounded blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "U"-notch integral to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut panels. The interior and bottom of each panel appears to have had markings removed. There are some light nicks and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as likely not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There are infrequent spots of minor oxidation in the bore, mostly toward the muzzle-end. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The most notable finish wear is handling wear in the backstrap. There is some more minor handling wear in the frontstrap and trigger guard. The barrel has finish wear on each side near the muzzle with more minor wear behind. There is scattered minor oxidation. There are scattered light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly disfigured with a usable slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: Introduced in 1892, the Colt New Navy and New Army revolvers were an improvement on the 1889 Navy. The models saw continuing improvement with different design changes receiving different model numbers: 1892, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1901 and 1903. This example is a Model 1901 produced in 1903 with an inspection marking from none other than John T. Thompson. While Thompson would go on to found Auto-Ordnance with John Blish and invent the Thompson submachinegun, he also was an officer in the United States Army and was for a time the chief of Small Arms Division of the Ordnance Department. In addition to inspecting this particular revolver, he oversaw development of the Springfield 1903 and was on the board that approved Colt's Model 1911.

The revolver is in Very Good condition with a surprisingly good bore and strong mechanics. With its matching numbers, martial markings, and Thompson inspection, this revolver will surely be of interest to Colt and U.S. Military small arms collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!