Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Herb Houze
CAL. sometimes present on the frame or butt.
Still another victim of the stiff competition from “suicide specials,” the 30 caliber New Line remained in production only three years, and is one of the more desirable of types in the series. The 30 is an unusual chambering for a Colt firearm, and this was the only product made by the company in that caliber.
Major variations are:
Standard model, in 2-1/4" barrel length; long fluted cylinder:
| 5B-166 | Values—Very Good $225 | Exc. $600 |
Same as above, but with 1-3/4" barrel:
| 5B-167 | Values—Very Good $300 | Exc. $875 |
Colt New Line 32 Caliber Revolver
New Line 32 Caliber Revolver. Made c. 1873-84; in a total quantity of about 22,000.
32 rimfire and 32 centerfire calibers. 5-shot cylinder. Barrel lengths of 2-1/4" and 4".
Varnished rosewood grips. Nickel plated finish, or blued with casehardened frame.
Serial numbering began with 1, and continued to the end of production. However, 38 and 41 caliber New Line, New House and New Police revolvers are believed to have been included. Two barrel markings standard, variants of: COLTS PT.F.A.MFG. CO./HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. Left side of barrel etched: COLT NEW 32 (except on approximately the first 3,000 made and the very last made in 1884). On the left side of the frame: 32 CAL; if C also present, the letter indicates “centerfire.”
The 32 outnumbered all other pistols in the New Line group, excepting the 22 caliber model. This was Colt’s first production model handgun chambered for 32 caliber metallic cartridge ammunition.
Major variations are:
First Model, in the serial range 1 - 10000; features short cylinder flutes, the cylinder stop slots on the outside, no patent date markings, 2-1/4" barrel:
5B-168
| 5B-168 | Values—Very Good $185 | Exc. $550 |
Second Model, in the serial range 10000 - 22000; having long cylinder flutes, the locking slots on cylinder back, 1874 patent date stamping on the barrel, 2-1/4" barrel:
5B-169
| 5B-169 | Values—Very Good $185 | Exc. $550 |
Either of the above, in 4" barrel length:
| 5B-170 | Values—Very Good $425 | Exc. $1,275 |
Colt New Line 38 Caliber Revolver
New Line 38 Caliber Revolver. Manufactured c. 1874-80; the total quantity about 5,500.
38 rimfire and 38 centerfire calibers. 5-shot cylinder. Barrel lengths of 2-1/4" and 4".
Grips of varnished rosewood. Nickel plated finish, or blued with casehardened frame.
Serial numbering was in the same range as the New Line 41 caliber revolvers; the series began with 1, and continued through about 12516. Some numbering believed shared with the 32 New Line serials. Two barrel markings standard, variants of: COLTS PT. F.A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.Left side of the barrel etched: COLT NEW 38 (except on the earliest, low numbered specimens). On the left side of the frame: 38 CAL.; if C also present, the letter indicates “centerfire.”
The 38 New Line is an attractive model to collectors because of the relatively large caliber, and the limited production.
Major variations are:
First Model, in the serial range 1 - 3200; having short cylinder flutes, the cylinder stop slots on the outside, and no patent date markings; 2-1/4" barrel:
| 5B-171 | Values—Very Good $275 | Exc. $600 |
Second Model, in serial range 3200 - 12516; with long cylinder flutes, the locking slots on cylinder back, 1874 patent date stamping on the barrel; 2-1/4" barrel:
| 5B-172 | Values—Very Good $225 | Exc. $550 |
Either of the above, in 4" barrel length:
| 5B-173 | Values—Very Good $500 | Exc. $1,400 |
Colt New Line 41 Caliber Revolver
New Line 41 Caliber Revolver. Made c. 1874-79; total quantity about 7,000.
41 rimfire and 41 centerfire calibers. 5-shot cylinder. Barrel lengths of 2-1/4" and 4".
Grips of varnished rosewood. Nickel plated finish, or blued with casehardened frame.
Serial numbering in the same range as the New Line 38 caliber revolvers; the series began with 1, and continued through about 10700. Some numbering believed shared with the 32 New Line serials. Two barrel markings standard, variants of: COLTS PT. F.A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.Left side of the barrel etched: COLT NEW 41 (except on the very earliest, low numbered specimens). On the left side of the frame: 41 CAL; if C also present, the letter indicates “centerfire.”
The 41 caliber chambering and rather business-like appearance has inspired a special enthusiasm for this model from collectors. The production is fairly limited, and as with most of the New Line models, variation is split into the First and Second types:
First Model, in the serial range 1 - 3200; with short cylinder flutes, the cylinder stop slots on the outside, and no patent date markings; 2-1/4" barrel:
5B-174
| 5B-174 | Values—Very Good $300 | Exc. $900 |
Second Model, in serial range 3200 - 10700; having long cylinder flutes, the locking slots on cylinder back, 1874 patent date stamping on the barrel; 2-1/4" barrel: