Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this ULTRA RARE double-action revolver today for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt New Army 1901.
According to the Colt Factory Archives Letter, this example of the Colt New Army Revolver Model 1901 was manufactured in .38 caliber with a 6" barrel and blue finish, and was shipped on July 15, 1901 to the United States Government, specifically to the Commanding Officer at Springfield Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts, and was furnished with a lanyard swivel.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: New Army 1901
Serial: 165343
Date of Manufacture: 1901
Caliber: .38 Colt
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 6"
Optics/Sights: Frame Notched Rear w/ Fixed Round Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Grips w/ Landyard Swivel
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard / “R.A.C.” Stamped on the left side of the frame.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt New Army Revolver Model 1901 is a significant U.S. military sidearm produced by Colt's Manufacturing Company during a transitional period in American military handgun development. Introduced as an improvement over the earlier Model 1892 series, the Model 1901 was part of Colt’s New Army & Navy revolver line chambered in .38 Long Colt. These revolvers were adopted by the U.S. military in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, seeing service during the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War. While innovative for their time—featuring a swing-out cylinder and double-action capability—they also became historically notable due to the limitations of the .38 Long Colt cartridge in combat, which ultimately led to the U.S. military’s renewed interest in larger calibers and the eventual adoption of the .45 ACP platform. This particular example stands out due to its documented military shipment and configuration. According to the Colt Factory Archives Letter, it was shipped on July 15, 1901 to the United States Government, specifically to the Commanding Officer at Springfield Armory in Massachusetts, and was part of a substantial shipment of 700 revolvers. The inclusion of a factory-installed lanyard swivel further supports its intended military use, as this feature was commonly specified for service revolvers to prevent loss in the field. Its 6" barrel and blue finish reflect standard issue configuration, making it a representative and historically accurate example of early 20th-century U.S. military sidearms.
Model: New Army 1901
Serial: 165343
Date of Manufacture: 1901
Caliber: .38 Colt
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 6"
Optics/Sights: Frame Notched Rear w/ Fixed Round Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Grips w/ Landyard Swivel
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard / “R.A.C.” Stamped on the left side of the frame.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt New Army Revolver Model 1901 is a significant U.S. military sidearm produced by Colt's Manufacturing Company during a transitional period in American military handgun development. Introduced as an improvement over the earlier Model 1892 series, the Model 1901 was part of Colt’s New Army & Navy revolver line chambered in .38 Long Colt. These revolvers were adopted by the U.S. military in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, seeing service during the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War. While innovative for their time—featuring a swing-out cylinder and double-action capability—they also became historically notable due to the limitations of the .38 Long Colt cartridge in combat, which ultimately led to the U.S. military’s renewed interest in larger calibers and the eventual adoption of the .45 ACP platform. This particular example stands out due to its documented military shipment and configuration. According to the Colt Factory Archives Letter, it was shipped on July 15, 1901 to the United States Government, specifically to the Commanding Officer at Springfield Armory in Massachusetts, and was part of a substantial shipment of 700 revolvers. The inclusion of a factory-installed lanyard swivel further supports its intended military use, as this feature was commonly specified for service revolvers to prevent loss in the field. Its 6" barrel and blue finish reflect standard issue configuration, making it a representative and historically accurate example of early 20th-century U.S. military sidearms.
From a collector’s perspective, this revolver carries strong historical and institutional significance, particularly due to its direct shipment to Springfield Armory—one of the most important military facilities in U.S. history. Firearms with documented U.S. Government provenance are highly desirable, especially when supported by a factory letter confirming shipment details. As an early military revolver tied to a pivotal era of transition in handgun development, the Model 1901 offers both historical depth and collector appeal. Well-documented examples such as this provide a tangible connection to the evolution of U.S. military firearms, making them highly sought after by advanced collectors focused on military or early Colt revolvers.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the Factory Colt Archives Letter.
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.
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
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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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. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1171112172 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-05-03 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
1125 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-05-03 17:22:31 |
