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Colt U.S. Model 1894 New Army Double Action Revolver --Unaltered--
Guns International #: 100703010 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Colt Revolvers - Antique - Colt Revolvers - Double Action Pre-War
Seller's Information
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Seller: Brent Wilburn
Company: Antique Arms, Inc.
Member Since: 11/19/15
First Name: Brent
Last Name: Wilburn
State: Georgia
Zip: 30052
Country: United States
Phone: (678) 471-1432
Phone2: (678) 471-1432
Premium Seller
Number of Active Listings: 36
Total Number of Listings: 580
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Money Order, Certified Check
Description:
This is a good example of an unaltered US Model 1894 Colt Double Action New Army Revolver from the Spanish American and Philippines Wars. Caliber .38 Colt with 6" barrel, blued finish, and wood grips. Unlike so many we find today, this one escaped the Army's Model 1901 lanyard ring upgrade and mulitple refurbishments by Colt that lasted through World War One. Inspected by Ronaldo A. Carr for the US Army who also inspected the Colt Single Action Army Revolver for the military. Antique serial number in the 102,000 range and was Mfd. in 1898 There is an intersting history lesson behind why this revolver was built which is found in Robert Best's excellent book on Colt DA Revolvers. Following the sinking of the USS Maine in Feb. 1898, President McKinley asked Congress for authorization to send troops to Cuba. After Spain turned down an ultimatum by the US recognizing Cuban independence, Congress authorized the expansion of the US Army from 28,000 to 65,000 men. With 37,000 additional new troops to arm for War with Spain, this created a shortage of the new Colt Double Action Revolver being issued to regular troops. According Best, this revolver was part of the 3rd Government Contract for 5,000 revolver (SN# from 100,000 to 105,000) which was placed on May 28, 1898. Colt must have worked overtime that summer as it was able to deliver several hundred in June with the balance of the 5,000 in July and August of 1898. Some of these may have seen service in Cuba but more probably ended up in the Spanish Philippines thanks to a very clever assistant Secretary to the Navy who expanded the Spanish American War to Spain's Pacific Colony while the boss was out of the office one day. That man's name was Theodore Roosevelt. It was in the Philippines that these .38 Double Action Colts earned a dubious reputation for lack of knock-down power against the Moros. This eventually led to the Army's swing back to .45 Caliber sidearms and the eventual development of the Colt Model 1911 in .45 ACP.
Inspector Carr's stamps can be found on the grips, frame, and just once on the cylinder which is correct for an original Model 1894 that was never rebuilt or upgraded. The Model 1894 is essentially identical to the Army Model 1892 with an improved safety mechanism which blocks the hammer when the cylinder is out of battery. Matching numbers throughout including the grips, frame, cylinder latch, inner sideplate, and cylinder crane. Note: there are no serial numbers on the back of cylinder and barrel which is 100% CORRECT for an 1898 production 3rd Contract Model 1894. Barrel has 1884, 1888, and 1895 patent dates, K & P proofs, and no serial or assembly numbers, also 100% CORRECT on 3rd contract revolvers. Both grips have their original cartouches which are light but visible and part of the "1898" date visible on the left grip just above the inspector's cartouche.
Overall condition grades to NRA Antique NRA Antique Fine. This one saw service and shows plenty of holster wear. It is all original, unaltered, with a lot of original finish but by no means perfect. Frame has 80% original blue. Barrel shows 70% original blue with the right side worn mostly bright. Cylinder has 75% original blue with a couple of chambers showing some light pits and corrosion...likely from resting in a holster for some time. Gripstraps and bottomstrap have worn to gray metal. Bottomstrap has its original US Army Model 1894 designation and serial numbers. Original nitre blue remains on the majority of the screws, rear hammer face (correct), and the upper portions of the trigger. Sides of hammer still retain much of their original bright polish. Excellent markings and crisp checkered knurling on the hammer. Original walnut grips are a pleasing light to medium brown hue with excellent wood-to-metal fit. No cracks or repairs. Action is in good working order with an excellent bore. All in all, a nice solid example of a late 19th century US military Double Action revolver.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: US Model 1894
Caliber Info: .38 Colt
Finish: Blued
Manufacture Date: 1898