Posted: 4/29/2010 4:50:31 PM EDT
My grandfather-in-law to be asked if I could ID a revolver for him. I said no, but I know who can. Can you help? Here are two pics:  Info as follows: Serial Number 150XX Colt MFG Co. Hartford, CT. USA Patented Aug 5 1884 Nov 6 88 Mar 5 95 Colt. DA. 38 If more serial # is needed for ID, just ask. Thanks! |
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You have a Colt New Army & Navy model revolver.
Serial number 150XX was made in 1895. This was the worlds first double action, swing out cylinder revolver which Colt invented in 1889. The first model made was the New Navy Model 1889. Colt quickly began improving the design, and when the Army bought it too, the name was changed to the New Army & Navy. The improved versions were the Models of 1892, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1901, and the 1903. These were made as both US military issue and commercial models. The US issue guns will have US Army or US Navy stamps on the butt and smooth walnut grips with a 6 inch barrel. The commercial models left the factory with hard black "Gutta Percha" rubber grips with molded checkering and Colt logos and barrels of 3", 4 1/2", and 6". The commercial model will not have US stamps on the butt. The military models will be chambered in the Colt .38 Long. It was this gun and cartridge that failed in the Philippines and led to the development of the Colt 1911 .45 automatic. The commercial models were chambered in the Colt .38 Long, Colt .38 Short, and the Colt .41. NOTE: These old revolver may chamber the .38 Special, and even the .357 Magnum but they ARE NOT SAFE TO FIRE WITH THEM. These early Colt's were made for obsolete black powder and very early smokeless powder cartridges and weren't made to withstand modern, more powerful ammo like the .38 Special. So, you have a model of the worlds first modern double action, swing-out cylinder revolver. Note that these early guns have complicated actions that are well known for being rather weak and easily broken. No parts are available, and no gunsmith will work on them, so if you break it, it's not repairable. As above, the gun is NOT SAFE for modern .38 Special ammo, although if the gun is in shooting condition, you can still find .38 Colt Long ammo form some sources. My advice: This is a historical revolver as the first modern type of DA revolver, and it's best kept as a display gun. As for value, these have to be in pretty good original condition to be worth much. |