RARE CALIBER MARKING NEW SERVICE, "FOR 44 S&W CTG." , 7 1/2" BARREL, #5XXX, MADE 1900. 

Description:
EXTREMELY EARLY AND RARE CALIBER MARKING NEW SERVICE, 44 S&W CALIBER, 7 1/2" BARREL, #5XXX, MADE 1900. This New Service was made in the second full year of production (only a very few were made in 1898 when the model was introduced). Standard calibers were .45 Colt (.45 Long Colt) with lesser numbers made in .44-40, .38-40 and .455 Eley for the British Market. This one is marked on the barrel side "FOR .44 S& W CTG. " which was the early designation for the .44 Russian cartridge. Later New Services were stamped .44 RUSSIAN CTG. This example has all the early features including the last barrel patent date of 1900, circle COLT NEW SERVICE stamping on the frame etc.  The frame shows fine blue with some small amounts of brown mkxng and edge wear. The grip straps are mostly brown with some good blue on the butt and on the bottom of the trigger guard bow. Fine lightly aged blue on the cylinder and fine blue on the barrel with some blue wear/thinning on the sides. Lanyard swivel intact and good fire blue on the trigger sides. Light case color remains on thre hamnmer. Fine grips. Cylinder locks up tight when the hammer falls (as this is when the Colts lock up). Bore shows good rifling with scattered light pitting. Unaltered front sight. This is a very rare caliber marked early New Service. 

Curio/Relic: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .44 S&W Russian
Manufacturer: COLT
Model: NEW SERVICE
Serial Number: 5XXX
Barrel Length: 7 1/2
Condition: FINE
Bore Condition: VG

Price: $2,150.00