Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Herb Houze
hard rubber with COLT oval were standard grips, after 1928 these were discontinued in favor of checkered walnut having Colt medallion inset. Blued finish standard; nickel plating not uncommon.
Serial numbering in an individual range, beginning at 1 and continuing through approximately 356000. Barrel markings of Colt company name, Hartford address, and patent dates of 1884 and 1900, or 1884, 1900 and 1905, or 1884, 1905 and 1926. Left side of barrel marked with model designation (e.g., NEW SERVICE) and caliber; the military model stamped: COLT D.A. 45.
The New Service was Colt’s largest framed double action swingout cylinder revolver. It also boasts one of the longest production runs of any D.A. Colt—some 46 years. A number of variations are known in the series, and the basic types are as follows:
Old Model revolver; serial numbers from 1 to about 12000; hard rubber COLT oval grips, NEW SERVICE model marking on sideplate:
5B-198
| 5B-198 | Values—Very Good $400 | Exc. $1,000 |
Old Model New Service Target; serials about 6000 - 15000; checkered walnut grips, 7-1/2" barrel, flattop frame, NEW SERVICE model sideplate marking:
| 5B-199 | Values—Very Good $650 | Exc. $1,750 |
Improved Model revolver; serials about 21000 - 32500; hard rubber COLT oval grips, has Colt positive lock mechanism (various internal and external improvements):
| 5B-200 | Values—Very Good $375 | Exc. $900 |
Improved Model New Service Target; features of the Improved Model standard revolver; but still including flattop frame, checkered walnut grips (with Colt medallion inlays), and 7-1/2" barrel:
| 5B-201 | Values—Very Good $675 | Exc. $1,750 |
Model 1909 US Army and US Navy; within serials 30000 - 50000; walnut grips, 45 Colt caliber, 5-1/2" barrel:
Army revolver bears U.S. ARMY MODEL 1909 butt markings:
| 5B-202 | Values—Very Good $400 | Exc. $1,100 |
Navy with U.S.N. butt markings. Quantity 1,000:
| 5B-203 | Values—Very Good $575 | Exc. $1,750 |
Model 1909 U.S. Marine Corps; virtually the same as above, but with varnished and checkered walnut grips (gripframe of smaller profile), USMC butt markings. Quantity 1,400:
| 5B-204 | Values—Very Good $1,250 | Exc. $4,000 |
Model 1917 U.S. Army; within serials 150000 - 301000; walnut grips, 45 Colt and 45 ACP calibers, 5-1/2" barrel. Improved version of the Model 1909 revolver. U.S. ARMY MODEL 1917 butt markings. Quantity 154,000:
| 5B-205 | Values—Very Good $260 | Exc. $500 |
Civilian Model 1917; scarce variation limited to about 1,000 revolvers, and made up by Colt’s from leftover parts of the Model 1917 U.S. Army production; serials in 335000 and 336000 range; 45 ACP caliber and barrel so marked; lack U.S. ARMY butt markings:
| 5B-206 | Values—Very Good $325 | Exc. $800 |
Late Model New Service; began approximately in the 325000 serials, and continued through end of production; checkered walnut grips with Colt medallion inlays, various improved production features:
| 5B-207 | Values—Very Good $325 | Exc. $650 |
Shooting Master revolver; within serials of about 333000 -350000; checkered walnut grips with Colt medallion inlays, various calibers from 38 S& W Special to 45 Colt (larger calibers bring premium values), 6" barrel standard. Caliber designation and COLT SHOOTING MASTER on left side of barrel; target sights, and flattop frame:
| 5B-208 | Values—Very Good $525 | Exc. $1,100 |
(Note: A number of variances from standard types exist in the sizable production of New Service revolvers. Some of the unusual and odd variations will command an added value; a majority of very minor variations will not. A thorough and detailed study may be found in the Wilson-Sutherland book.)
Colt Camp Perry S.A., Single Shot Target Pistol
Camp Perry Single Action, Single Shot Target Pistol. Made from 1926 to 1941 (less than 100, believed experimentals, made in 1920; all with serials under 100). Total quantity 2,525; among smallest production of all Colt cartridge handguns. 22 Long Rifle caliber. One shot chamber, mounted on crane, and pivoting down and to the left for loading (as on conventional Colt double-action revolver). 8" and 10" barrels.
Checkered walnut grips with rampant Colt medallion inset. Blued finish.
Serial numbered in individual range, from 1. Barrel marking (top): COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.On left side of chamber: CAMP PERRY MODEL; and on the barrel, the caliber marking.
A unique model of Colt double action handgun, the Camp Perry was named after the site of U.S. pistol, revolver, and rifle competition in Ohio. The type is distinguished by its single shot construction, the unusual barrel lengths, and the quite limited production (which was made on the frame of the Double Action revolver; without recoil shield).
Standard model; with 10" barrel length:
5B-209
| 5B-209 | Values—Very Good $500 | Exc. $1,250 |
Variation, having 8" barrel (standard after 1934, serial range about 2150):
| 5B-210 | Values—Very Good $500 | Exc. $1,250 |