and elsewhere.
Major variations are:
Standard model, in 4-1/2" and 6" barrel lengths, blued or nickel plated, with checkered hard rubber grips:
5B-190
| 5B-190 | Values—Very Good $375 | Exc. $950 |
Same as above, but in 3" barrel length:
| 5B-191 | Values—Very Good $450 | Exc. $1,150 |
U.S. Navy contract. Total 5,000 serial range 1 to 5000. Blue finish; 6" barrel, plain walnut grips. 38 caliber. Butt marked U.S.N. , serial number, inspector initials, date 1889. Between 1896 and 1900 total of 4,637 returned to Colt for Conversion to Model 1895 cylinder locking system and refinishing. Values shown for altered revolvers; original unaltered specimens (total 363) rare; worth considerable premium:
| 5B-192 | Values—Very Good $850 | Exc. $2,250 |
Colt New Army and Navy Revolver
New Army and Navy Revolver, Models of 1892, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1901, and 1903. Made from 1892 through c. 1907; total of approximately 291,000. Under serial number 115,000 (approx.) made prior to Dec. 31, 1898.
38 Colt and 41 Colt calibers; 38 S& W made in lesser quantity. 6-shot cylinder. Standard barrel lengths of 3" (scarce and will bring premium), 4-1/2" and 6".
Checkered hard rubber grips with oval rampant colt embossed motif; plain walnut standard on contract purchases of the government. (Note: Army rubber grips often included a date stamping within the COLT oval motif.) Blued finish; nickel plating not uncommon.
Serial numbering in their own series, though overlapping in higher numbers with the successor model, the Army Special; New Army and Navy range from 1 through about 291000. Barrel marking of Colt company name, Hartford address, and 1884 and 1888 patent dates; 1895, and then 1901 were added to later models. Designations of caliber marked on left side of the barrel.
The Models of 1892 to 1903 represent developments and improvements in Colt’s double action Army and Navy size revolvers. Differences from one model to the next are generally minor, and sometimes can be detected only by examining interior parts. All models have the short cylinder flutes and the two sets of stop slots on the outside of the cylinder; the cylinders revolve counter-clockwise. As with the Model 1889 Navy, the serial numbers are often confused with assembly numbers: The serials appear on the butt, while assembly numbers (two or three digits only) are in the cylinder area. (Note: Special markings occasionally found and some, especially Wells Fargo & Co., when verified, command premium prices.)
Basic variations are:
Standard Models, 1892, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1901 and 1903, civilian sales:
5B-193
| 5B-193 | Values—Very Good $185 | Exc. $475 |
Same as above, but military orders:
Navy variations, 38 caliber, 6" barrel, plain walnut grips, Butt marked “U.S.N.”/anchor/38D.A./P/inspector initials/date. Inspector initials on wood grips. Lanyard swivel standard.
| 5B-194 | Values—Very Good $350 | Exc. $1,100 |
Army variations, 38 caliber, 6" barrel, plain walnut grips, Butt marked “U.S. Army/Model/1892” with serial number and inspector initials. Wood grips also with inspector marks.
| 5B-195 | Values—Very Good $300 | Exc. $1,000 |
Total 8,000 manufactured under 2 contracts 1892-93. At least 7490 known altered at Springfield for mechanical defects. Values shown for modified guns; those in unaltered state worth premuim. Identified basically by 1888 as last patent date on barrel, inspector mark “DM” left grip and “RAC” right grip, left frame, cylinder and barrel; no screw visible under cylinder latch.
Colt Model 1905 Marine Corps D.A. Revolver
Model 1905 Marine Corps Double Action Revolver. Manufactured 1905-09; in a total of 926. Basically a variation from the New Army and Navy Revolver series, late production.
38 Colt and 38 S& W Special calibers. 6-shot cylinder. 6" barrel.
Varnished and checkered walnut grips. Blued finish.
Serial numbering in an individual range, beginning at 10001 and continuing through 10926. Marine Corps issue revolvers were butt marked with USMC stampings, and with numbers (beginning with 1) running in sequence with the Colt production serial (thus gun number 10001 bore USMC number 1). Barrel address of Colt’s in Hartford, with 1884, 1888, and 1895 patent dates. Caliber designations on the left side of the barrel.
The Marine Corps Model is one of the ultra-desirable handguns in Colt’s double action revolver production. With a total made of only 926, and most of these experiencing service use, the surviving arms are few. The Marine Corps association also adds to the model’s status and importance. For quick identification: Distinctive grips, serial range, and grip frame type. Cylinders revolve counter-clockwise.
Basic variants are:
Standard model, with USMC butt markings, bore serials 10001 -10800; found in more worn condition than civilian types:
5B-196
| 5B-196 | Values—Very Good $1,000 | Exc. $3,500 |
Standard model, civilian sales only; bore serials 10801 - 10926:
| 5B-197 | Values—Very Good $750 | Exc. $2,500 |
Colt New Service Double Action Revolver
New Service Double Action Revolver. Made from 1898 through 1944; in a total run of about 356,000 (including Shooting Master and other variations).
Variety of calibers from 38 Colt to 476 Eley. 6-shot cylinder. Barrel lengths from 2" to 7-1/2", with most common in 4-1/2", 5-1/2" and 7-1/2".
Until