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Colt US Navy Model 1889 Revolver
Guns International #: 100900000 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Colt Revolvers - Antique - Military Revolvers - Antique
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: 35
Total Number of Listings: 577
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Money Order, Certified Check
Description:
SALE PENDING! This is a Very Good example of the US Navy Model 1889 Double Action Service Revolver in 38 COLT and a fantastic piece of US History. Technology-wise, the 1889 was Colt's first modern design with the swing-out cylinder and the first 5,000 1889's went to the US Navy beforing being offered on the Civilian Market. These were issued aboard ships (many to US Marines) that went all over the world. Many saw action in Cuba and the Philippines during the Spanish American War through World War Two. Springfield Research shows a number of revolvers in this serial range being recorded in US Coast Guard Service in the 1920's and others being inventoried in the Philadelphia Navy Yard in 1941.
In the mid-late 1890's, the US Navy contracted with Colt to upgrade their original 1889 Models to the newly improved Model 1895. Over the span of three or four years, the US Navy had 95% of them returned for these upgrades so it is the norm rather than the exception to find these with 1895 specs. This was no small task as they were scattered all over the world aboard ships and it took years to retrieve them all to send back to Colt. The only readily noticeable difference are the fact that the 1889's retained their original wooden grips while the 1895's got checkered hard rubber grips. This rebuild process was in effect while Teddy Roosevelt was the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. After resigning his post following a very interesting command that wound up giving the United States control of the Philippines, Roosevelt joined the 1st USV Cavalry aka "The Rough Riders". Many people don't know this but TR made his famous charge up San Juan Hill during the Spanish American War wielding a US Navy Model 1895 salvaged from the USS Maine. The famous photo of him standing at the top of the hill with the Rough Riders shows his holstered Model 1895 in a black US Navy flap holster. Like most, this revolver started out as an 1889 and was rebuilt to 1895 specs.
Overall Condition Grades to NRA Antique Fine with 75% original blue from the 1890's by the Colt Factory rebuild on the frame while the barrel has flaked to 25%. It has both Kimball and Twining Inspection markings from its original acceptance as an 1889 (STAR and WWK) and its rebuild a few years later that was inspected by "Twining"...the Triangle with the T. Nice fire blue on the profiles of the trigger and rear hammer face. Grips are solid and in Very Good condition with no chips or cracks. Barrel markings feature the upgraded 1895 patent date re-applied by Colt but this is the original 1889 barrel that is numbered to the gun with a faint Kimball inspection Star symbol. No doubt, this revolver served several decades with the US Navy and possibly the US Marines through the First World War. Eventually, when they were replaced by 1911's, they were sold off as surplus. The United States Navy has always been particular about property markings as many of these 1889's had the "USN" and Model Data on the bottomstrap ground off as part of the de-commission process...not unlike Police Departments removing their markings from a Police Cruiser before being sold at public . Like many, this revolver went through the Naval de-commission before being turned over to a reserve unit or sold on the civilian market. Fortunately, the sailor who ground this one must have been in a hurry for his lunch break because he did a poor job, leaving just over half of the original markings intact. This one is A LOT better than most we've seen over the years. After a lot of careful thought as to how the original markings could be saved while restoring the missing areas, we performed a minor restoration that was limited solely to specifically affected areas on the bottomstrap. First, we were able to raise the missing markings on the bottomstrap through a chemical process. This revealed all of the missing markings and it was pretty exciting to see them turn up. Now that we knew what was missing, we set out to find someone who could re-cut the raised areas. Through a friend, we had a very talented engraver re-cut these missing areas and the results were spectacular. The original markings have now been restored to their original glory and the last two photos of the ad are a before and after shot of the restoration. No refinishing was involved. If you're looking for a nice example of a Colt 1889 that won't break the bank account, these 1889's are a fantastic bargain compared to the thousands needed to acquire a US Navy Model 1911. Antique Pre-1898. No FFL Required.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1889
Caliber Info: 38 Colt