The consignor will be donating 100% of their proceeds to the Park County Animal Shelter in Wyoming.
Make: Colt
Model: New Service Model of 1917 US Army
Serial Number: Government Serial Number: 48362, Factory Serial Number: 204221
Year of Manufacture: 1919
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked "COLT D.A. 45". 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 5, 1900. JULY 4. 1905?. The crane cut is marked "H", "X", and "204221". The crane is marked "204221". The left trigger guard bow is marked "3". The butt is marked "U.S. / ARMY / MODEL / 1917 / No / 48 / 362?. The sideplate has a rampant colt logo. The left of the frame above the sideplate is marked with "JMG" monogram. The bottom of the barrel is marked ""UNITED STATES PROPERTY"" and on the flat at the rear with "H". The rear face of the cylinder is marked "H".
Barrel Length: 5 1/2"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall Patridge style blade. The rear sight is a "U"-notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece Altamont smooth wood panels. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion and scattered stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is evenly scattered light wear and minor oxidation, more notable in the grip areas. Worn areas have gone to a light patina. Some areas are going to a light patina. There are some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows light operational wear including a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly 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 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 has retained its original blue finish and is a neat example of a WWI-era Model 1917. The revolver shows wear consistent with its age, retaining a strong bore and great mechanics. It looks great with its new Altamont smooth wood grips. This revolver would make a nice addition to a U.S. Military sidearm collection and should still make for a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
