Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this scarce double-action revolver adopted by the US Military for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt New Service Model of 1909 US Navy!
This Colt New Service Model 1909 revolver, marked on the butt with “USN / (Anchor) / 45DA / No. / 591,” represents one of the rarest U.S. military sidearms ever produced. Only about 1,000 of these revolvers were purchased by the United States Navy prior to the adoption of the Model 1911, making them exceptionally scarce today. The distinctive Navy markings—including the anchor stamp above “USN” and the unique Navy-assigned serial number—serve as definitive proof of its limited naval service history. These features elevate the revolver’s collectability significantly, as U.S. Navy-marked examples are far rarer than their Army-issued counterparts. For collectors, such an example is a true prize—an authentic, tangible link to a brief transitional period in American military arms history.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: New Service Model of 1909
Serial: 52591
Date of Manufacture: 1911
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: Blue with Fire Blue Trigger & Hammer
Barrel Length: 5 ½"
Optics/Sights: Integral Patridge-Type Blade Front with Frame Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard / The butt of this revolver is marked “USN / (Anchor) / 45DA / No. / 591.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt New Service, introduced in 1898, marked a defining leap forward in revolver design for both Colt and the U.S. military. It was Colt’s first large-frame, swing-out cylinder revolver and remained their flagship heavy-duty wheelgun until World War II. Built on a robust double-action frame capable of handling high-powered cartridges, the New Service quickly gained favor among military forces, law enforcement agencies, and civilian shooters alike. Offered in a broad range of chamberings—including .38 Special, .44 Special, .44-40, .45 Colt, and .455 Eley—the revolver was remarkably versatile and customizable, with multiple barrel lengths and finishes to suit field, police, and presentation purposes. Early production featured hard rubber grips, while later examples adopted checkered walnut with Colt medallions. The revolver’s exceptional strength, smooth action, and reliable lockup made it one of the most respected large-frame revolvers of its time, capable of handling punishing loads and delivering consistent performance in the harshest conditions. The Model of 1909 represents the military variant of the New Service, adopted during a crucial transitional period in U.S. small arms history. Following the Moro Rebellion in the Philippines, the Army realized the inadequacy of the .38 Long Colt revolver, whose anemic stopping power failed to halt determined attackers. As an interim solution until a new semiautomatic pistol could be developed, the U.S. Army ordered a specialized version of the New Service chambered in .45 Colt—the Model 1909. This revolver featured a 5½-inch barrel, commercial-grade blued finish, lanyard ring, and distinctive “U.S.” and branch markings on the butt, distinguishing Army, Navy, and Marine issue examples. It was not only a stopgap but a return to the proven power of the .45-caliber cartridge that restored soldier confidence and effectiveness in combat. The Model 1909’s performance directly influenced the military’s insistence on a .45-caliber sidearm, paving the way for the adoption of the legendary Colt M1911. Today, both the New Service and its 1909 military variant are revered by collectors as quintessential examples of Colt craftsmanship and American martial history—symbols of a pivotal moment when revolver reliability bridged the gap to the modern automatic pistol era.
Condition:
Model: New Service Model of 1909
Serial: 52591
Date of Manufacture: 1911
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: Blue with Fire Blue Trigger & Hammer
Barrel Length: 5 ½"
Optics/Sights: Integral Patridge-Type Blade Front with Frame Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard / The butt of this revolver is marked “USN / (Anchor) / 45DA / No. / 591.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt New Service, introduced in 1898, marked a defining leap forward in revolver design for both Colt and the U.S. military. It was Colt’s first large-frame, swing-out cylinder revolver and remained their flagship heavy-duty wheelgun until World War II. Built on a robust double-action frame capable of handling high-powered cartridges, the New Service quickly gained favor among military forces, law enforcement agencies, and civilian shooters alike. Offered in a broad range of chamberings—including .38 Special, .44 Special, .44-40, .45 Colt, and .455 Eley—the revolver was remarkably versatile and customizable, with multiple barrel lengths and finishes to suit field, police, and presentation purposes. Early production featured hard rubber grips, while later examples adopted checkered walnut with Colt medallions. The revolver’s exceptional strength, smooth action, and reliable lockup made it one of the most respected large-frame revolvers of its time, capable of handling punishing loads and delivering consistent performance in the harshest conditions. The Model of 1909 represents the military variant of the New Service, adopted during a crucial transitional period in U.S. small arms history. Following the Moro Rebellion in the Philippines, the Army realized the inadequacy of the .38 Long Colt revolver, whose anemic stopping power failed to halt determined attackers. As an interim solution until a new semiautomatic pistol could be developed, the U.S. Army ordered a specialized version of the New Service chambered in .45 Colt—the Model 1909. This revolver featured a 5½-inch barrel, commercial-grade blued finish, lanyard ring, and distinctive “U.S.” and branch markings on the butt, distinguishing Army, Navy, and Marine issue examples. It was not only a stopgap but a return to the proven power of the .45-caliber cartridge that restored soldier confidence and effectiveness in combat. The Model 1909’s performance directly influenced the military’s insistence on a .45-caliber sidearm, paving the way for the adoption of the legendary Colt M1911. Today, both the New Service and its 1909 military variant are revered by collectors as quintessential examples of Colt craftsmanship and American martial history—symbols of a pivotal moment when revolver reliability bridged the gap to the modern automatic pistol era.
Condition:
This example is in Mechanically Excellent condition for its age, showing no evidence of misuse that we can see, with the Original Fire Blue still showing on the trigger and hammer!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
