to Favorites
1 of 15
2 of 15
3 of 15
4 of 15
5 of 15
6 of 15
7 of 15
8 of 15
9 of 15
10 of 15
11 of 15
12 of 15
13 of 15
14 of 15
15 of 15
Your Session is Ending
The server has not detected any activity for the last 3 hours.
For your security, your session will expire in 2 minutes and you will be redirected to the Sign In page.
Would you like to stay signed in?
Colt Model 1889 Revolver RARE, 1 of 373 Unaltered U.S. Navy .38, 1 of 7 known to exist
Colt Model 1889 Revolver RARE, 1 of 373 Unaltered U.S. Navy .38, 1 of 7 known to exist
Click Photo to Enlarge
Guns International #: 101856389
Seller's Inventory #: 22-9530
Category - Colt Revolvers - Navy
- Colt Revolvers - Antique
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct,
please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: Shooter's Supply, LLC.
Member Since: 3/16/16
First Name: Patrick
Last Name: Brown
State:
Tennessee
Zip: 37343
Country: United States
Phone:
(423) 875-4868
Active Listings: 25
Total Listings: 1370
Seller Type: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories. No returns on new firearms.
We normally ship USPS Priority Mail which should be 2-day ship. Shipping is actual cost with a minimum of $30.00 for pistols and $50.00 for rifles/shotguns to ship to most of the 48 contiguous states. Shipping to Alaska may require an extra fee. Shipping insurance is available upon request for an extra fee. We cannot do international sales. As of November 2019, we no longer ship guns to California and Hawaii.
We normally ship USPS Priority Mail which should be 2-day ship. Shipping is actual cost with a minimum of $30.00 for pistols and $50.00 for rifles/shotguns to ship to most of the 48 contiguous states. Shipping to Alaska may require an extra fee. Shipping insurance is available upon request for an extra fee. We cannot do international sales. As of November 2019, we no longer ship guns to California and Hawaii.
Payment Methods: Visa, Master Card, American Express, USPS Money Order. NO CREDIT CARD FEES!!!
About Us: We are a small family owned business located in Hixson, Tennessee. Do you have firearms at home collecting dust? We have a lively consignment business. Our fee is 20% with a $50 minimum. Firearms are consigned for a an average period of 180 days but the length of period is negotiable. We also do handgun carry permit classes for the state of Tennessee. We have a nice indoor shooting range with reasonable rates. Please check us out at shooterssupply.
Colt Model 1889 Revolver RARE, 1 of 373 Unaltered U.S. Navy .38, 1 of 7 known to exist
Description:
The Colt Model 1889 was the first double-action revolver to use a swing out cylinder, released by a sliding latch. It predated the Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector by almost a decade. The 1889 and the later Model 1892 and its siblings differed from later Colt revolvers in that the cylinder rotated counter-clockwise rather than clockwise. It was found in use that the direction of rotation worked against the cylinder lock and tended to push the cylinder out of alignment with the barrel. Not only did this weakness allow the cylinder to rotate while the trigger was being pulled by the user, it even allowed the cylinder to rotate while holstered. The U.S. Navy contracted Colt to build them 5000 examples of the Model 1889. According to renowned author Robert Best (Book: A Study of Colt’s New Army and Navy Pattern DA Revolvers 1889 to 1908), out of the 5000 revolvers that were built for the Navy, 4627 of these were returned to Colt for conversion to the 1895 cylinder and locking system. This particular revolver, after some correspondence with Mr. Best, is believed to be one of the 373 revolvers that escaped conversion, which would make it one of only 7 still known to exist. Correspondence was done by the previous owner out of necessity of the fact that just prior to being sold by the Navy to the civilian market, the military markings were sanded down. It is important to understand that Colt military revolvers often have two serial numbers. One is the Colt factory serial number, the other the military, or in this case, the U.S. Navy’s serial number. On early examples, the two are often one and the same. However, the inspector, W.W. Kimbal, would sometimes reject the presented revolver and move onto the next one. A revolver would only be stamped with a Navy serial number if it was accepted and would also be stamped with the inspector’s initials (W.W.K.) as well. On this revolver, the Colt factory serial number 3975 appears on the rear of the cylinder, the cylinder release lever, on the yoke and inside of the frame, the bottom of the barrel, and underneath the side plate. The military serial number would only be on the bottom of the grip. After close examination, and correspondence with Mr. Best (by the previous owner), it is believed that this revolver is U.S. Navy serial number 3732. Personal examination of the revolver results in the same conclusion. The barrel is marked with the correct August 5th, 1884 and November 6th, 1888 patent dates. The original finish is worn away, which is not wholly unusual for a revolver this old. According to the Colt Serial Number database, this M1889 left the factory in 1889 (not surprising as Colt would have endeavored to complete the order for the Navy as quickly as possible), thus making the revolver 133 years old. Despite its age, the bore is in excellent shape with only minor pitting, or not enough to affect accuracy. However, for safety reasons it recommended that this revolver never be fired given its age and the era of metallurgy from which it originated. The lower front tip of each grip is chipped away but otherwise the grips are in fairly good shape. The trigger and hammer function great but the cylinder latch is a little stiff sometimes.
SOLD
Handgun Caliber: .38 Long Colt
Manufacturer: Colt's PT. F.A. Mfg. Co.
Model: Model 1889 U.S. Navy issue
Serial Number: Military S/N: 3732; Colt Factory S/N: 3975
Bore: Rifled
Chambers: 6
Ejectors: Manual, simultaneous 6-round ejection
Condition: Fair to Good
Barrel Type: Round
Action: Double/Single Action
Triggers: Single
Stock: Walnut
Finish: Patina
Sights: Fixed sights, half-moon front sight, U-notch rear, sight radius 7.25 inches (184 mm)
Manufacture Date: 1889
Case: Soft Case
Description:
The Colt Model 1889 was the first double-action revolver to use a swing out cylinder, released by a sliding latch. It predated the Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector by almost a decade. The 1889 and the later Model 1892 and its siblings differed from later Colt revolvers in that the cylinder rotated counter-clockwise rather than clockwise. It was found in use that the direction of rotation worked against the cylinder lock and tended to push the cylinder out of alignment with the barrel. Not only did this weakness allow the cylinder to rotate while the trigger was being pulled by the user, it even allowed the cylinder to rotate while holstered. The U.S. Navy contracted Colt to build them 5000 examples of the Model 1889. According to renowned author Robert Best (Book: A Study of Colt’s New Army and Navy Pattern DA Revolvers 1889 to 1908), out of the 5000 revolvers that were built for the Navy, 4627 of these were returned to Colt for conversion to the 1895 cylinder and locking system. This particular revolver, after some correspondence with Mr. Best, is believed to be one of the 373 revolvers that escaped conversion, which would make it one of only 7 still known to exist. Correspondence was done by the previous owner out of necessity of the fact that just prior to being sold by the Navy to the civilian market, the military markings were sanded down. It is important to understand that Colt military revolvers often have two serial numbers. One is the Colt factory serial number, the other the military, or in this case, the U.S. Navy’s serial number. On early examples, the two are often one and the same. However, the inspector, W.W. Kimbal, would sometimes reject the presented revolver and move onto the next one. A revolver would only be stamped with a Navy serial number if it was accepted and would also be stamped with the inspector’s initials (W.W.K.) as well. On this revolver, the Colt factory serial number 3975 appears on the rear of the cylinder, the cylinder release lever, on the yoke and inside of the frame, the bottom of the barrel, and underneath the side plate. The military serial number would only be on the bottom of the grip. After close examination, and correspondence with Mr. Best (by the previous owner), it is believed that this revolver is U.S. Navy serial number 3732. Personal examination of the revolver results in the same conclusion. The barrel is marked with the correct August 5th, 1884 and November 6th, 1888 patent dates. The original finish is worn away, which is not wholly unusual for a revolver this old. According to the Colt Serial Number database, this M1889 left the factory in 1889 (not surprising as Colt would have endeavored to complete the order for the Navy as quickly as possible), thus making the revolver 133 years old. Despite its age, the bore is in excellent shape with only minor pitting, or not enough to affect accuracy. However, for safety reasons it recommended that this revolver never be fired given its age and the era of metallurgy from which it originated. The lower front tip of each grip is chipped away but otherwise the grips are in fairly good shape. The trigger and hammer function great but the cylinder latch is a little stiff sometimes.
SOLD
Handgun Caliber: .38 Long Colt
Manufacturer: Colt's PT. F.A. Mfg. Co.
Model: Model 1889 U.S. Navy issue
Serial Number: Military S/N: 3732; Colt Factory S/N: 3975
Bore: Rifled
Chambers: 6
Ejectors: Manual, simultaneous 6-round ejection
Condition: Fair to Good
Barrel Type: Round
Action: Double/Single Action
Triggers: Single
Stock: Walnut
Finish: Patina
Sights: Fixed sights, half-moon front sight, U-notch rear, sight radius 7.25 inches (184 mm)
Manufacture Date: 1889
Case: Soft Case
|
Click Photo to Enlarge
|
Guns International #: 101856389
Category - Colt Revolvers - Navy
- Colt Revolvers - Antique
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct,
please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: Shooter's Supply, LLC.
Member Since: 3/16/16
First Name: Patrick
Last Name: Brown
State:
Tennessee
Zip: 37343
Country: United States
Phone:
(423) 875-4868
Active Listings: 25
Total Listings: 1370
Seller Type: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories. No returns on new firearms.
We normally ship USPS Priority Mail which should be 2-day ship. Shipping is actual cost with a minimum of $30.00 for pistols and $50.00 for rifles/shotguns to ship to most of the 48 contiguous states. Shipping to Alaska may require an extra fee. Shipping insurance is available upon request for an extra fee. We cannot do international sales. As of November 2019, we no longer ship guns to California and Hawaii. Payment Methods: Visa, Master Card, American Express, USPS Money Order. NO CREDIT CARD FEES!!!
About Us: We are a small family owned business located in Hixson, Tennessee. Do you have firearms at home collecting dust? We have a lively consignment business. Our fee is 20% with a $50 minimum. Firearms are consigned for a an average period of 180 days but the length of period is negotiable. We also do handgun carry permit classes for the state of Tennessee. We have a nice indoor shooting range with reasonable rates. Please check us out at shooterssupply.
Colt Model 1889 Revolver RARE, 1 of 373 Unaltered U.S. Navy .38, 1 of 7 known to exist
Description: The Colt Model 1889 was the first double-action revolver to use a swing out cylinder, released by a sliding latch. It predated the Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector by almost a decade. The 1889 and the later Model 1892 and its siblings differed from later Colt revolvers in that the cylinder rotated counter-clockwise rather than clockwise. It was found in use that the direction of rotation worked against the cylinder lock and tended to push the cylinder out of alignment with the barrel. Not only did this weakness allow the cylinder to rotate while the trigger was being pulled by the user, it even allowed the cylinder to rotate while holstered. The U.S. Navy contracted Colt to build them 5000 examples of the Model 1889. According to renowned author Robert Best (Book: A Study of Colt’s New Army and Navy Pattern DA Revolvers 1889 to 1908), out of the 5000 revolvers that were built for the Navy, 4627 of these were returned to Colt for conversion to the 1895 cylinder and locking system. This particular revolver, after some correspondence with Mr. Best, is believed to be one of the 373 revolvers that escaped conversion, which would make it one of only 7 still known to exist. Correspondence was done by the previous owner out of necessity of the fact that just prior to being sold by the Navy to the civilian market, the military markings were sanded down. It is important to understand that Colt military revolvers often have two serial numbers. One is the Colt factory serial number, the other the military, or in this case, the U.S. Navy’s serial number. On early examples, the two are often one and the same. However, the inspector, W.W. Kimbal, would sometimes reject the presented revolver and move onto the next one. A revolver would only be stamped with a Navy serial number if it was accepted and would also be stamped with the inspector’s initials (W.W.K.) as well. On this revolver, the Colt factory serial number 3975 appears on the rear of the cylinder, the cylinder release lever, on the yoke and inside of the frame, the bottom of the barrel, and underneath the side plate. The military serial number would only be on the bottom of the grip. After close examination, and correspondence with Mr. Best (by the previous owner), it is believed that this revolver is U.S. Navy serial number 3732. Personal examination of the revolver results in the same conclusion. The barrel is marked with the correct August 5th, 1884 and November 6th, 1888 patent dates. The original finish is worn away, which is not wholly unusual for a revolver this old. According to the Colt Serial Number database, this M1889 left the factory in 1889 (not surprising as Colt would have endeavored to complete the order for the Navy as quickly as possible), thus making the revolver 133 years old. Despite its age, the bore is in excellent shape with only minor pitting, or not enough to affect accuracy. However, for safety reasons it recommended that this revolver never be fired given its age and the era of metallurgy from which it originated. The lower front tip of each grip is chipped away but otherwise the grips are in fairly good shape. The trigger and hammer function great but the cylinder latch is a little stiff sometimes. SOLD Handgun Caliber: .38 Long Colt Manufacturer: Colt's PT. F.A. Mfg. Co. Model: Model 1889 U.S. Navy issue Serial Number: Military S/N: 3732; Colt Factory S/N: 3975 Bore: Rifled Chambers: 6 Ejectors: Manual, simultaneous 6-round ejection Condition: Fair to Good Barrel Type: Round Action: Double/Single Action Triggers: Single Stock: Walnut Finish: Patina Sights: Fixed sights, half-moon front sight, U-notch rear, sight radius 7.25 inches (184 mm) Manufacture Date: 1889 Case: Soft Case |
Click Photo to Enlarge
Guns International #: 101856389
Seller's Inventory #: 22-9530
Category - Colt Revolvers - Navy
- Colt Revolvers - Antique
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct,
please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: Shooter's Supply, LLC.
Member Since: 3/16/16
First Name: Patrick
Last Name: Brown
State:
Tennessee
Zip: 37343
Country: United States
Phone:
(423) 875-4868
Active Listings: 25
Total Listings: 1370
Seller Type: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories. No returns on new firearms.
We normally ship USPS Priority Mail which should be 2-day ship. Shipping is actual cost with a minimum of $30.00 for pistols and $50.00 for rifles/shotguns to ship to most of the 48 contiguous states. Shipping to Alaska may require an extra fee. Shipping insurance is available upon request for an extra fee. We cannot do international sales. As of November 2019, we no longer ship guns to California and Hawaii.
We normally ship USPS Priority Mail which should be 2-day ship. Shipping is actual cost with a minimum of $30.00 for pistols and $50.00 for rifles/shotguns to ship to most of the 48 contiguous states. Shipping to Alaska may require an extra fee. Shipping insurance is available upon request for an extra fee. We cannot do international sales. As of November 2019, we no longer ship guns to California and Hawaii.
Payment Methods: Visa, Master Card, American Express, USPS Money Order. NO CREDIT CARD FEES!!!
About Us: We are a small family owned business located in Hixson, Tennessee. Do you have firearms at home collecting dust? We have a lively consignment business. Our fee is 20% with a $50 minimum. Firearms are consigned for a an average period of 180 days but the length of period is negotiable. We also do handgun carry permit classes for the state of Tennessee. We have a nice indoor shooting range with reasonable rates. Please check us out at shooterssupply.
Colt Model 1889 Revolver RARE, 1 of 373 Unaltered U.S. Navy .38, 1 of 7 known to exist
Description:
The Colt Model 1889 was the first double-action revolver to use a swing out cylinder, released by a sliding latch. It predated the Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector by almost a decade. The 1889 and the later Model 1892 and its siblings differed from later Colt revolvers in that the cylinder rotated counter-clockwise rather than clockwise. It was found in use that the direction of rotation worked against the cylinder lock and tended to push the cylinder out of alignment with the barrel. Not only did this weakness allow the cylinder to rotate while the trigger was being pulled by the user, it even allowed the cylinder to rotate while holstered. The U.S. Navy contracted Colt to build them 5000 examples of the Model 1889. According to renowned author Robert Best (Book: A Study of Colt’s New Army and Navy Pattern DA Revolvers 1889 to 1908), out of the 5000 revolvers that were built for the Navy, 4627 of these were returned to Colt for conversion to the 1895 cylinder and locking system. This particular revolver, after some correspondence with Mr. Best, is believed to be one of the 373 revolvers that escaped conversion, which would make it one of only 7 still known to exist. Correspondence was done by the previous owner out of necessity of the fact that just prior to being sold by the Navy to the civilian market, the military markings were sanded down. It is important to understand that Colt military revolvers often have two serial numbers. One is the Colt factory serial number, the other the military, or in this case, the U.S. Navy’s serial number. On early examples, the two are often one and the same. However, the inspector, W.W. Kimbal, would sometimes reject the presented revolver and move onto the next one. A revolver would only be stamped with a Navy serial number if it was accepted and would also be stamped with the inspector’s initials (W.W.K.) as well. On this revolver, the Colt factory serial number 3975 appears on the rear of the cylinder, the cylinder release lever, on the yoke and inside of the frame, the bottom of the barrel, and underneath the side plate. The military serial number would only be on the bottom of the grip. After close examination, and correspondence with Mr. Best (by the previous owner), it is believed that this revolver is U.S. Navy serial number 3732. Personal examination of the revolver results in the same conclusion. The barrel is marked with the correct August 5th, 1884 and November 6th, 1888 patent dates. The original finish is worn away, which is not wholly unusual for a revolver this old. According to the Colt Serial Number database, this M1889 left the factory in 1889 (not surprising as Colt would have endeavored to complete the order for the Navy as quickly as possible), thus making the revolver 133 years old. Despite its age, the bore is in excellent shape with only minor pitting, or not enough to affect accuracy. However, for safety reasons it recommended that this revolver never be fired given its age and the era of metallurgy from which it originated. The lower front tip of each grip is chipped away but otherwise the grips are in fairly good shape. The trigger and hammer function great but the cylinder latch is a little stiff sometimes.
SOLD
Handgun Caliber: .38 Long Colt
Manufacturer: Colt's PT. F.A. Mfg. Co.
Model: Model 1889 U.S. Navy issue
Serial Number: Military S/N: 3732; Colt Factory S/N: 3975
Bore: Rifled
Chambers: 6
Ejectors: Manual, simultaneous 6-round ejection
Condition: Fair to Good
Barrel Type: Round
Action: Double/Single Action
Triggers: Single
Stock: Walnut
Finish: Patina
Sights: Fixed sights, half-moon front sight, U-notch rear, sight radius 7.25 inches (184 mm)
Manufacture Date: 1889
Case: Soft Case
Description:
The Colt Model 1889 was the first double-action revolver to use a swing out cylinder, released by a sliding latch. It predated the Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector by almost a decade. The 1889 and the later Model 1892 and its siblings differed from later Colt revolvers in that the cylinder rotated counter-clockwise rather than clockwise. It was found in use that the direction of rotation worked against the cylinder lock and tended to push the cylinder out of alignment with the barrel. Not only did this weakness allow the cylinder to rotate while the trigger was being pulled by the user, it even allowed the cylinder to rotate while holstered. The U.S. Navy contracted Colt to build them 5000 examples of the Model 1889. According to renowned author Robert Best (Book: A Study of Colt’s New Army and Navy Pattern DA Revolvers 1889 to 1908), out of the 5000 revolvers that were built for the Navy, 4627 of these were returned to Colt for conversion to the 1895 cylinder and locking system. This particular revolver, after some correspondence with Mr. Best, is believed to be one of the 373 revolvers that escaped conversion, which would make it one of only 7 still known to exist. Correspondence was done by the previous owner out of necessity of the fact that just prior to being sold by the Navy to the civilian market, the military markings were sanded down. It is important to understand that Colt military revolvers often have two serial numbers. One is the Colt factory serial number, the other the military, or in this case, the U.S. Navy’s serial number. On early examples, the two are often one and the same. However, the inspector, W.W. Kimbal, would sometimes reject the presented revolver and move onto the next one. A revolver would only be stamped with a Navy serial number if it was accepted and would also be stamped with the inspector’s initials (W.W.K.) as well. On this revolver, the Colt factory serial number 3975 appears on the rear of the cylinder, the cylinder release lever, on the yoke and inside of the frame, the bottom of the barrel, and underneath the side plate. The military serial number would only be on the bottom of the grip. After close examination, and correspondence with Mr. Best (by the previous owner), it is believed that this revolver is U.S. Navy serial number 3732. Personal examination of the revolver results in the same conclusion. The barrel is marked with the correct August 5th, 1884 and November 6th, 1888 patent dates. The original finish is worn away, which is not wholly unusual for a revolver this old. According to the Colt Serial Number database, this M1889 left the factory in 1889 (not surprising as Colt would have endeavored to complete the order for the Navy as quickly as possible), thus making the revolver 133 years old. Despite its age, the bore is in excellent shape with only minor pitting, or not enough to affect accuracy. However, for safety reasons it recommended that this revolver never be fired given its age and the era of metallurgy from which it originated. The lower front tip of each grip is chipped away but otherwise the grips are in fairly good shape. The trigger and hammer function great but the cylinder latch is a little stiff sometimes.
SOLD
Handgun Caliber: .38 Long Colt
Manufacturer: Colt's PT. F.A. Mfg. Co.
Model: Model 1889 U.S. Navy issue
Serial Number: Military S/N: 3732; Colt Factory S/N: 3975
Bore: Rifled
Chambers: 6
Ejectors: Manual, simultaneous 6-round ejection
Condition: Fair to Good
Barrel Type: Round
Action: Double/Single Action
Triggers: Single
Stock: Walnut
Finish: Patina
Sights: Fixed sights, half-moon front sight, U-notch rear, sight radius 7.25 inches (184 mm)
Manufacture Date: 1889
Case: Soft Case
Guns International #: 101856389
Seller's Inventory #: 22-9530
Guns International #: 101856389
Seller's Inventory #: 22-9530
Category - Colt Revolvers - Navy
- Colt Revolvers - Antique
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct,
please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: Shooter's Supply, LLC.
Member Since: 3/16/16
First Name: Patrick
Last Name: Brown
State:
Tennessee
Zip: 37343
Country: United States
Phone:
(423) 875-4868
Active Listings: 25
Total Listings: 1370
Seller Type: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories. No returns on new firearms.
We normally ship USPS Priority Mail which should be 2-day ship. Shipping is actual cost with a minimum of $30.00 for pistols and $50.00 for rifles/shotguns to ship to most of the 48 contiguous states. Shipping to Alaska may require an extra fee. Shipping insurance is available upon request for an extra fee. We cannot do international sales. As of November 2019, we no longer ship guns to California and Hawaii.
We normally ship USPS Priority Mail which should be 2-day ship. Shipping is actual cost with a minimum of $30.00 for pistols and $50.00 for rifles/shotguns to ship to most of the 48 contiguous states. Shipping to Alaska may require an extra fee. Shipping insurance is available upon request for an extra fee. We cannot do international sales. As of November 2019, we no longer ship guns to California and Hawaii.
Payment Methods: Visa, Master Card, American Express, USPS Money Order. NO CREDIT CARD FEES!!!
About Us: We are a small family owned business located in Hixson, Tennessee. Do you have firearms at home collecting dust? We have a lively consignment business. Our fee is 20% with a $50 minimum. Firearms are consigned for a an average period of 180 days but the length of period is negotiable. We also do handgun carry permit classes for the state of Tennessee. We have a nice indoor shooting range with reasonable rates. Please check us out at shooterssupply.
Colt Model 1889 Revolver RARE, 1 of 373 Unaltered U.S. Navy .38, 1 of 7 known to exist
Description:
The Colt Model 1889 was the first double-action revolver to use a swing out cylinder, released by a sliding latch. It predated the Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector by almost a decade. The 1889 and the later Model 1892 and its siblings differed from later Colt revolvers in that the cylinder rotated counter-clockwise rather than clockwise. It was found in use that the direction of rotation worked against the cylinder lock and tended to push the cylinder out of alignment with the barrel. Not only did this weakness allow the cylinder to rotate while the trigger was being pulled by the user, it even allowed the cylinder to rotate while holstered. The U.S. Navy contracted Colt to build them 5000 examples of the Model 1889. According to renowned author Robert Best (Book: A Study of Colt’s New Army and Navy Pattern DA Revolvers 1889 to 1908), out of the 5000 revolvers that were built for the Navy, 4627 of these were returned to Colt for conversion to the 1895 cylinder and locking system. This particular revolver, after some correspondence with Mr. Best, is believed to be one of the 373 revolvers that escaped conversion, which would make it one of only 7 still known to exist. Correspondence was done by the previous owner out of necessity of the fact that just prior to being sold by the Navy to the civilian market, the military markings were sanded down. It is important to understand that Colt military revolvers often have two serial numbers. One is the Colt factory serial number, the other the military, or in this case, the U.S. Navy’s serial number. On early examples, the two are often one and the same. However, the inspector, W.W. Kimbal, would sometimes reject the presented revolver and move onto the next one. A revolver would only be stamped with a Navy serial number if it was accepted and would also be stamped with the inspector’s initials (W.W.K.) as well. On this revolver, the Colt factory serial number 3975 appears on the rear of the cylinder, the cylinder release lever, on the yoke and inside of the frame, the bottom of the barrel, and underneath the side plate. The military serial number would only be on the bottom of the grip. After close examination, and correspondence with Mr. Best (by the previous owner), it is believed that this revolver is U.S. Navy serial number 3732. Personal examination of the revolver results in the same conclusion. The barrel is marked with the correct August 5th, 1884 and November 6th, 1888 patent dates. The original finish is worn away, which is not wholly unusual for a revolver this old. According to the Colt Serial Number database, this M1889 left the factory in 1889 (not surprising as Colt would have endeavored to complete the order for the Navy as quickly as possible), thus making the revolver 133 years old. Despite its age, the bore is in excellent shape with only minor pitting, or not enough to affect accuracy. However, for safety reasons it recommended that this revolver never be fired given its age and the era of metallurgy from which it originated. The lower front tip of each grip is chipped away but otherwise the grips are in fairly good shape. The trigger and hammer function great but the cylinder latch is a little stiff sometimes.
SOLD
Handgun Caliber: .38 Long Colt
Manufacturer: Colt's PT. F.A. Mfg. Co.
Model: Model 1889 U.S. Navy issue
Serial Number: Military S/N: 3732; Colt Factory S/N: 3975
Bore: Rifled
Chambers: 6
Ejectors: Manual, simultaneous 6-round ejection
Condition: Fair to Good
Barrel Type: Round
Action: Double/Single Action
Triggers: Single
Stock: Walnut
Finish: Patina
Sights: Fixed sights, half-moon front sight, U-notch rear, sight radius 7.25 inches (184 mm)
Manufacture Date: 1889
Case: Soft Case
Description:
The Colt Model 1889 was the first double-action revolver to use a swing out cylinder, released by a sliding latch. It predated the Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector by almost a decade. The 1889 and the later Model 1892 and its siblings differed from later Colt revolvers in that the cylinder rotated counter-clockwise rather than clockwise. It was found in use that the direction of rotation worked against the cylinder lock and tended to push the cylinder out of alignment with the barrel. Not only did this weakness allow the cylinder to rotate while the trigger was being pulled by the user, it even allowed the cylinder to rotate while holstered. The U.S. Navy contracted Colt to build them 5000 examples of the Model 1889. According to renowned author Robert Best (Book: A Study of Colt’s New Army and Navy Pattern DA Revolvers 1889 to 1908), out of the 5000 revolvers that were built for the Navy, 4627 of these were returned to Colt for conversion to the 1895 cylinder and locking system. This particular revolver, after some correspondence with Mr. Best, is believed to be one of the 373 revolvers that escaped conversion, which would make it one of only 7 still known to exist. Correspondence was done by the previous owner out of necessity of the fact that just prior to being sold by the Navy to the civilian market, the military markings were sanded down. It is important to understand that Colt military revolvers often have two serial numbers. One is the Colt factory serial number, the other the military, or in this case, the U.S. Navy’s serial number. On early examples, the two are often one and the same. However, the inspector, W.W. Kimbal, would sometimes reject the presented revolver and move onto the next one. A revolver would only be stamped with a Navy serial number if it was accepted and would also be stamped with the inspector’s initials (W.W.K.) as well. On this revolver, the Colt factory serial number 3975 appears on the rear of the cylinder, the cylinder release lever, on the yoke and inside of the frame, the bottom of the barrel, and underneath the side plate. The military serial number would only be on the bottom of the grip. After close examination, and correspondence with Mr. Best (by the previous owner), it is believed that this revolver is U.S. Navy serial number 3732. Personal examination of the revolver results in the same conclusion. The barrel is marked with the correct August 5th, 1884 and November 6th, 1888 patent dates. The original finish is worn away, which is not wholly unusual for a revolver this old. According to the Colt Serial Number database, this M1889 left the factory in 1889 (not surprising as Colt would have endeavored to complete the order for the Navy as quickly as possible), thus making the revolver 133 years old. Despite its age, the bore is in excellent shape with only minor pitting, or not enough to affect accuracy. However, for safety reasons it recommended that this revolver never be fired given its age and the era of metallurgy from which it originated. The lower front tip of each grip is chipped away but otherwise the grips are in fairly good shape. The trigger and hammer function great but the cylinder latch is a little stiff sometimes.
SOLD
Handgun Caliber: .38 Long Colt
Manufacturer: Colt's PT. F.A. Mfg. Co.
Model: Model 1889 U.S. Navy issue
Serial Number: Military S/N: 3732; Colt Factory S/N: 3975
Bore: Rifled
Chambers: 6
Ejectors: Manual, simultaneous 6-round ejection
Condition: Fair to Good
Barrel Type: Round
Action: Double/Single Action
Triggers: Single
Stock: Walnut
Finish: Patina
Sights: Fixed sights, half-moon front sight, U-notch rear, sight radius 7.25 inches (184 mm)
Manufacture Date: 1889
Case: Soft Case
Guns International Advertising Policy
GunsInternational.com is the #1 Gun Classified website that brings gun buyers and gun brokers or sellers together through classified advertising of guns, gun related items and services for sale online. If you are looking to buy guns online or sell guns online, you have come to the right place. GunsInternational.com gun classifieds currently have over 200,000 guns for sale online by numerous dealers and collectors alike. Guns International makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information contained in the gun classifieds, gun parts or gun services classifieds listings. Buyers and sellers are required to know and comply with all applicable local, state, federal and international firearm laws.
GunsInternational.com is the #1 Gun Classified website that brings gun buyers and gun brokers or sellers together through classified advertising of guns, gun related items and services for sale online. If you are looking to buy guns online or sell guns online, you have come to the right place. GunsInternational.com gun classifieds currently have over 200,000 guns for sale online by numerous dealers and collectors alike. Guns International makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information contained in the gun classifieds, gun parts or gun services classifieds listings. Buyers and sellers are required to know and comply with all applicable local, state, federal and international firearm laws.
Listings
Home
New Today
New This Week
Rifles For Sale Online
Shotguns For Sale Online
Handguns For Sale Online
Pistols For Sale Online
Revolvers For Sale Online
NFA
Gun Parts For Sale Online
Services
Home
New Today
New This Week
Rifles For Sale Online
Shotguns For Sale Online
Handguns For Sale Online
Pistols For Sale Online
Revolvers For Sale Online
NFA
Gun Parts For Sale Online
Services
©2006 - 2025 all rights reserved. | Guns International.com | V4.1 ww2
Privacy Policy
User Agreement
FAQs
Contact Us
Careers
©2006 - 2025 all rights reserved.
Guns International.com | V4.1 ww2
Guns International.com | V4.1 ww2