Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this incredible double/single-action revolver today for a penny-start auction, this is the Colt New Service U.S. Army Model 1917!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: New Service U.S. Army Model 1917
Serial: 298085 (Colt Factory Serial in the Crane) / 146991 (Government Serial Number on the Butt)
Date of Manufacture: 1920 (According to the Colt Factory Serial #298085) / 1918 (According to the Government Serial #146991)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5 1/2"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Fixed Grooved Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Double/Single-Action
Markings: Standard / The left side of the barrel is stamped “COLT D.A 45”. The left side of the frame is stamped with an "Eagle Head/S15" inspector stamp. The top of the barrel is stamped “COLT'S PT.F.A MFG CO. HARTFORD, CT U.S.A. / PAT'D AUG.5, 1884. JUNE 5,1900. JULY 4,1905.” The bottom of the barrel is stamped “UNITED STATES PROPERTY”. The frame below the barrel where the cylinder crane sits is stamped with the Colt Factory serial number “298085”. The butt is stamped “U.S. ARMY MODEL 1917”, along with the government serial number “No.146991”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In 1898, Colt introduced its first large-frame, swing-out cylinder revolver: the Colt New Service. This model quickly gained popularity among both military and civilian buyers seeking a powerful, reliable revolver with the innovative swing-out cylinder design. The New Service became Colt’s flagship large-frame revolver and remained in production until World War II. Over the years, it was produced in a variety of calibers, including .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .45 ACP, .44-40, and many others, making it a versatile option for different users. The revolver was also available in multiple models, including military and police versions, and was produced in several barrel lengths ranging from 4" to 7 1/2". Early models featured hard black rubber grips with molded checkering, while later versions came with checkered walnut grips adorned with silver Colt medallions. The New Service was offered in blue, bright nickel, and military-specific dull brushed blue finishes, making it a well-regarded firearm for both civilian and military applications.
Model: New Service U.S. Army Model 1917
Serial: 298085 (Colt Factory Serial in the Crane) / 146991 (Government Serial Number on the Butt)
Date of Manufacture: 1920 (According to the Colt Factory Serial #298085) / 1918 (According to the Government Serial #146991)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5 1/2"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Fixed Grooved Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Double/Single-Action
Markings: Standard / The left side of the barrel is stamped “COLT D.A 45”. The left side of the frame is stamped with an "Eagle Head/S15" inspector stamp. The top of the barrel is stamped “COLT'S PT.F.A MFG CO. HARTFORD, CT U.S.A. / PAT'D AUG.5, 1884. JUNE 5,1900. JULY 4,1905.” The bottom of the barrel is stamped “UNITED STATES PROPERTY”. The frame below the barrel where the cylinder crane sits is stamped with the Colt Factory serial number “298085”. The butt is stamped “U.S. ARMY MODEL 1917”, along with the government serial number “No.146991”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In 1898, Colt introduced its first large-frame, swing-out cylinder revolver: the Colt New Service. This model quickly gained popularity among both military and civilian buyers seeking a powerful, reliable revolver with the innovative swing-out cylinder design. The New Service became Colt’s flagship large-frame revolver and remained in production until World War II. Over the years, it was produced in a variety of calibers, including .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .45 ACP, .44-40, and many others, making it a versatile option for different users. The revolver was also available in multiple models, including military and police versions, and was produced in several barrel lengths ranging from 4" to 7 1/2". Early models featured hard black rubber grips with molded checkering, while later versions came with checkered walnut grips adorned with silver Colt medallions. The New Service was offered in blue, bright nickel, and military-specific dull brushed blue finishes, making it a well-regarded firearm for both civilian and military applications.
During World War I, the Colt New Service frame served as the basis for the Model 1917 revolver, designed to meet the urgent need for pistols in the U.S. Army. With a shortage of Model 1911 semi-automatics, Colt and Smith & Wesson were contracted to produce large-frame double-action revolvers chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge. Because the .45 ACP is a rimless cartridge, these revolvers required "half-moon" clips for proper ejection of spent casings. The Model 1917 was built on the New Service frame with a 5 1/2" barrel and a dull brushed blue finish. Early production featured straight-through chambers, while later models had chambers that allowed the cartridges to headspace correctly, though clips were still needed for ejection.
These revolvers had two serial numbers: a military serial number stamped on the butt and a Colt factory serial number found on various parts of the frame. After the war, surplus Model 1917s were stored for future use and later distributed to the U.S. Postal Service in the 1930s, as well as to various military and law enforcement units during World War II. By the 1960s, these revolvers were sold to the public, often through programs like the Civilian Marksmanship Program.
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.
