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Cold New Army Model 1903 .38 caliber Double Action Revolver
Guns International #: 101656944 Seller's Inventory #: P41
Category: Colt Revolvers - Army - Colt Revolvers - Double Action Pre-War
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: William Ashley
Member Since: 4/28/21
First Name: William
Last Name: Ashley
State: Michigan
Zip: 48315
Country: United States
Phone: (586) 202-4864
Number of Active Listings: 9
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: USPS money order, bank checks, personal checks
About Us: No international sales. MI sales tax will be charged on guns and accessories delivered in the state of MI.
Description:
Colt New Army Model 1903 .38 caliber double action revolver with swing out cylinder. 6 round cylinder, 6 inch barrel, blue finish. The cylinder rotates in a counter-clockwise direction. The frame side plate is located on the right side of the gun. SN = 208,140. Serial number range for the Model 1903 is 200,000 - 212,500. A total of 12,500 were made. According to colt serial number records, this gun was made in 1903.
The Colt M1892 Army and Navy was the first general issue double-action revolver with a swing out cylinder used by the U.S. Military. In 1892, the revolver was adopted by the United States Army, chambered for .38 long colt cartridges, and was given the appellation "New Army and Navy". Initial experience with the gun caused officials to request some improvements. This would be an ongoing condition, resulting in 5 unique model numbers for the Army (Models 1892, 1894, 1896, 1901, and 1903).
During its service life, the M1892 series received modifications to the basic design, including cylinder lockwork, the addition (in 1894) of an interlock between the cylinder latch and the trigger and hammer, different barrel markings, the addition of a lanyard swivel on the Model 1901, and a reduction of bore diameter in the Model 1903 in an effort to increase accuracy.
The original US Army model designation and serial number was roll marked onto the butt, interrupted only by the lanyard swivel, a feature of most of U.S. martial revolvers. The "U.S. Army Model 1903" marking on this particular gun has been removed. The lanyard swivel is also absent and the hole in the butt for the swivel has been plugged. (see actual photo of butt).
This gun has plain, smooth, unchecked, 2-piece walnut grips that are marked with the cartouche "RAC" on the bottom of each grip. "RAC" stands for Rinaldo A. Carr who was a civilian employee of the War Department and was the sub-inspector on the revolvers. These wood grips were installed on Army contract military issue models only. The back of both wood grips is marked with the same truncated serial number (8140) as the rest of this gun. Civilian models of this gun were built with Colt hard rubber checkered grips.
This same "RAC" mark is found on the rear face of the cylinder, left side of frame, and the bottom of the barrel.
The same abbreviated serial number (8140) is also stamped on the crane recess, crane and cylinder release lever.
The left side of the barrel is marked "COLT D.A. 38". The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line Hartford address and 3 patent dates (Aug 5, 1884; Nov 6, 88; and Mar 5, 95).
A second set of locking notches has been added to the cylinder, and a second lock bolt was also added to this model.
Paul Szymaszek, who works for Colt Archive Properties, LLC has reviewed the photos of this gun. He responded to my questions by email on May 17, 2021:
"Definitely a Model 1903. At some point, the lanyard hole was plugged. US ARMY MODEL 1903 was removed at some point – I see this a lot – lots of people over the years have thought that the US PROPERTY or similar markings made it contraband, so the markings were removed. This would have been part of the 1903 Army contract as you described."
Shipping to your FFL or C&R license only. Inspection must be done on the premises of the receiving FFL or C&R license only. Do not remove firearm from receiving FFL before inspection is completed and firearm is accepted. We provide a 3 day window to complete reasonable inspection. Inspection starts on date of delivery to receiving FFL. Do not disassemble. If you are unsatisfied, do not complete transfer. Promptly return item using original packaging. We do not refund shipping cost from the seller to the buyer. We also do not reimburse return shipping cost. Add shipping cost of $35.
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .38 Long Colt