WWI Colt New Service Model of 1917 US Army .45 ACP SA/DA Revolver, 1919 C&R
SOLD FOR: $940.00
WOA#: WY240323WM037
Make: Colt
Model: New Service Model of 1917 US Army
Serial Number: Government Serial Number: 53975, Factory Serial Number: 206956
Year of Manufacture: 1919 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
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”, “e”, and “206956”. The crane is marked “206956”. The left trigger guard bow is marked “3”. The butt is marked “U.S. / ARMY / MODEL / 1917 / No / 53 / 975″. 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”. The inside of each grip panel has “206956” hand-written in pencil.
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 smooth walnut panels. The grips have some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a more notable nick at the top of the right panel. There are some spots of dark discoloration. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion and some stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8+ out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 70% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is scattered light wear, mostly in the frame. Worn areas have gone to a light patina. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation and there is oxidation on the frame under the grips. There are some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads are tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has no play with the trigger depressed on all chambers. The single action trigger pull is crisp and the double action is smooth. 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 nice example of a WWI-era Model 1917. The revolver shows wear consistent with its age, retaining a strong bore and great mechanics. It 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!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
