Colt New Service Model, Pre-WWI Production, Blue 7 ½” SHARP Double Action DA/SA Revolver, MFD 1907 C&R
LSB#: 160510SC01
Make: Colt
Model: New Service
Serial Number: 18576
Year of Manufacture: 1907 (http://proofhouse.com/colt/index.html)
Caliber: .45 (Long) Colt
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “NEW SERVICE 45 COLT”, the top is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO HARTFORD CT USA / PAT’D AUG. 5 1884”, the bottom is marked “45”. The left side plate is marked with Colt’s rampant logo and “COLT’S / NEW SERVICE”. The lower left side of the frame, by the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “3”. The crane cut is marked “18576 / O”, the crane is marked “18576”. The rear of the cylinder, under the ejector star, is marked “243”, which is an assembly number. The inside of the grip panels are hand marked “18576”.
Barrel Length: 7 ½”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ‘clipped’ fixed blade on the barrel. The rear sight is a shallow “U” cut into the top of the frame.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are black hard rubber panels with “COLT” in oval on the upper flanks, which also have checkering. The stocks are serialized to the pistol and show only a few lightly compressed checkers; the butt of both grips have a shallow line from the lanyard loop. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is highly defined with light wear. There are spots of shallow pin prick erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The grip frame’s fore and back strap have wear to bare metal from handling, the butt has a thin line from the lanyard loop, the frame has some general handling marks and small specks of oxidation. The barrel shows areas of surface etching and thinning at the muzzle from infrequent holster use. The cylinder shows some wear on the leading edges, a thin drag line and small spots of oxidation. The top strap of the frame has etching and shallow pin prick erosion. The left side plate has wear from the cylinder latch and some spots of wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces solid full lockup in all 6 chambers with no measurable play. The double action trigger pull is smooth, the single action is crisp. 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: From R.L. Wilson’s ‘The Book of Colt Firearms’, page 359 reads “With its rugged frame and hard hitting calibers, the gun in time became a favorite with the military. Exactly 151,700 were sold to the U.S Government during the First World War. New Service production, covering the years 1898 through 1944 represents one of the longest continuous runs of any model of double action Colt firearm.” This revolver is in Fine condition with a very strong action, smooth trigger pulls and a bright bore with highly defined rifling; there are some spots to the surface, but in all, this is a very attractive revolver that is parts matching and correct. This pre-war revolver is looking pretty nice being nearly 110 years old. Please see our pictures and good luck.
