Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this double-action revolver today for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt New Service Model 1917 U.S. Army!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: New Service Model 1917 U.S. Army
Serial: 182924
Date of Manufacture: 1919
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5 ½"
Optics/Sights: Pinned Serrated Blade on Ramp Base Front with Drift Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut with Inlaid Colt Medallions
Action: Double
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt New Service Model 1917 U.S. Army revolver was developed as a wartime expedient when the United States entered World War I and demand for sidearms far exceeded the production capacity of the Model 1911 pistol. To rapidly equip combat troops, the U.S. government contracted Colt and Smith & Wesson to produce large-frame, double-action revolvers chambered in the standard .45 ACP service cartridge, both designated as the Model 1917. Colt’s version was built on the robust New Service frame and fitted with a 5½-inch barrel, offering strength, reliability, and familiarity for soldiers accustomed to revolvers. Chambered for the rimless .45 ACP, the revolver required the use of stamped steel “half-moon” clips, each holding three cartridges, to allow proper extraction by the ejector system. Two clips were loaded into the cylinder to provide a full six-round capacity, and once fired, the cases and clips could be ejected together with a single stroke of the ejector rod.
Model: New Service Model 1917 U.S. Army
Serial: 182924
Date of Manufacture: 1919
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5 ½"
Optics/Sights: Pinned Serrated Blade on Ramp Base Front with Drift Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut with Inlaid Colt Medallions
Action: Double
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt New Service Model 1917 U.S. Army revolver was developed as a wartime expedient when the United States entered World War I and demand for sidearms far exceeded the production capacity of the Model 1911 pistol. To rapidly equip combat troops, the U.S. government contracted Colt and Smith & Wesson to produce large-frame, double-action revolvers chambered in the standard .45 ACP service cartridge, both designated as the Model 1917. Colt’s version was built on the robust New Service frame and fitted with a 5½-inch barrel, offering strength, reliability, and familiarity for soldiers accustomed to revolvers. Chambered for the rimless .45 ACP, the revolver required the use of stamped steel “half-moon” clips, each holding three cartridges, to allow proper extraction by the ejector system. Two clips were loaded into the cylinder to provide a full six-round capacity, and once fired, the cases and clips could be ejected together with a single stroke of the ejector rod.
Early production Colt Model 1917 revolvers featured chambers bored straight through, making the half-moon clips essential for both headspacing and extraction. Later examples were modified so the cartridges could headspace on the chamber shoulder, allowing the revolver to be fired without clips, though spent cases then had to be manually pushed out one at a time. The Model 1917 also presents an interesting point of collector discussion due to its dual serial numbering system: the official U.S. military serial number was stamped on the butt, while Colt applied its own factory serial numbers to the frame, crane, and internal components. The government recognized the butt number as the official serial, which was used on surplus documentation when these revolvers were sold in the 1960s. Produced from 1917 through 1919, the Colt Model 1917 remains an important and highly collectible example of American wartime firearms adaptation and industrial mobilization.
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.




