Guns International #: 100968507

Category - Colt Revolvers - Army - Military Revolvers - US

Category
Colt Revolvers - Army
Military Revolvers - US

U.S. ARMY MODEL 1901 (SERIES 1892, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1903, 1905) COLT DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER, CAVALRY, INFANTRY, ARTILLERY, OBSOLETE 38 COLT CALIBER

Description:
********SOLD********

Description:
The excellent book “A Study Of Colt’s New Army And Navy Pattern Double Action Revolvers 1889-1908” by Robert Best is the definitive work on this model.  On pages 176-82 and 194 is some discussion on “Repaired And Refinished Army Model Revolvers”.  Colt contracted to repair and refinish these 38 caliber revolvers.  But also, the Springfield Armory performed these re-work jobs.  Colt continued to repair and refinish revolvers for the Army through June 30, 1905.  A notation made on that date was “158 Colt’s revolvers, Model 1901, repaired”.  Best states that “Many of the repaired and refinished revolvers will be found with two sets of inspector’s stamps on such as the rear face of the cylinder, or bottom of the barrel.  A ‘C’ is sometimes found on replacement cylinders as well”. 
 
The continued repairing and refinishing of these 38 caliber revolvers continued into both WWI and WWII.  Just a few interesting notes received from Bob Best in 2009: “Over 19,000 guns were reworked by Remington in 1918.  Some were also turned over to the British Purchasing Commission in 1940 and received a blue-black painted finish.  Some were reworked many times and others not at all”.  
 
Needless to say, the variations of these reworked Colt Double Actions are a huge study in itself. 
 
Overall, this Colt retains about 5% blue in protected areas on both sides of the frame, under the barrel, and in the cylinder flutes.  This blue then blends into a dark gray patina.   
 
This Colt has the deeply-struck main serial “No 150354” on the butt, right below the “U. S. Army Model 1901” and the lanyard ring.  On the left side of frame is “R.A.C.” with the cylinder latch marked “K / 354”.  Again, on the frame inside the crane, is “R E / 354”.  On the crane, just forward of the cylinder is “K / 354”.  The rear of the cylinder indicates that some rework has occurred with “R.A.C. / 3204 / P / C”.  Just ahead of the frame, on the underside of the barrel, is “RAC”.  
 
Under the grips, on the right side of the grip frame is a larger “22” (of unknown meaning), and on the left side is the Colt inspector “2”.  The grips have no visible number, but fit extremely well.  Unlike so many of these, the butt of these grips are fairly smooth, and were never abused by hammering.  Wear over the years has erased the government inspection letters and final inspection cartouche. 
 
The two-line rolled barrel address ends in “Mar. 5. 95.” and contains an unbelievable number of die breaks!  These die breaks accumulated over a number of years, using the same roll die.  The left side is stamped “Colt D.A. 38”, using the same roll die as on the Colt Model 1877 “Lightning / Thunderer”.  The half-moon steel sight remains in its original configuration and height. 
 
With the hammer down, the cylinder lock-up is better than with the hammer cocked.  Many untold years of rework and re-issue have left the lock-up in this condition.  The bore has strong rifling with only a light scattering of porosity in the grooves.  The chambers of the cylinder are quite smooth, with no noticeable pitting.  These chambers are for the original heeled-bullet 38 Colt, which required external lubrication.  Essentially, the case mouth and major bullet diameter were the same.  The front of each chamber (throat) on this gun measures 0.381”.  In 1911 Colt re-designed the 38 Colt to require a 0.357” bullet seated inside the case, with grease cannelures now inside the case. 
 
Priced to sell quickly. 
 
In some cases, I can ship directly to a C&R licensed individual.  Otherwise, this Colt must be shipped to an FFL dealer. 

Terms:
No International sales.  Not being sold as a shooter, but as a functional collector’s Colt Model 1901 U.S. Double Action.  If you want to shoot any older Colt, first take it to a gunsmith and have it checked out. 
 
Three day inspection period, but ask questions prior to buying (see additional notes on returns at bottom).  Additional pictures sent on request. 
 
I accept Bank Cashier’s Checks and Postal Money Orders.  No personal checks or Western Union MO’s.  Payment must be received with copy of C&R (or FFL) within seven days after sale date, and sent by Priority Mail with Tracking Number provided by buyer.  Shipping by FedEx Ground (13” x 7” x 7” box) fully insured for $25.00 (and tracking number provided to buyer).  Usually shipping occurs within 3 days after payment received. 
 
Three (3) day Inspection and Return Policy: Only if returned Exactly as Received - Not Disassembled for Inspection, Not Tampered, Not Broken/Chipped/Scratched/Dented/Scuffed, or any Parts Switched.  Any Original Documentation sent Must Be Returned with item. 
 

SOLD

Curio/Relic: Yes