*WW1 Dated 1915 Colt New Service 455 ELEY Revolver with Canvas Holster*
The Colt New Service revolver, chambered for the British .455 inch cartridge, featured a double action mechanism and a side swing cylinder. With the rapid expansion of the British armed forces during the onset of World War I, there was an insufficient supply of the standard Webley service revolver to meet the increased demand. Consequently, orders were placed overseas, mainly in the United States. The primary supplier among these foreign contracts was the Colt firearms company, which delivered nearly 60,000 of their ‘New Service’ model. The barrels of these British Empire Colt New Service Revolvers bore the inscription “NEW SERVICE .455 ELEY.” It’s worth noting that these British contract Colt revolvers were only produced in this caliber from 1915 to 1916.
The blued 14cm barrel is stamped on top “COLT’S PT F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT USA. PAT’D AUG 5.1884 JUNE 5 1900 July 1905” and stamped on the left of the barrel in small caps “NEW SERVICE 455 ELEY”. The Serial No 83230 is stamped on the top and the bottom of the inside barrel arm, the top stamp 83230 is over C. The serial number indicates that this was produced in 1915 when the numbers ran from 72500-945500. Stamped on frame to the left of the trigger guard is a Colt proof mark “VP” in triangle and a “3” to the right. Above the 3 stamped on the left of the frame is the Colt trademark of a horse. Once received in England and before being issued they were stamped with the British inspection, acceptance, and proof marks. On the frame by the trigger is the Broad Arrow over a Crown over G above E. The letter “E” below broad arrow stamp denotes that it was inspected at the RSAF Enfield. Butt with chequered rounded black hard-rubber grips each with ‘Colt’ in an oval at the top, and lanyard-loop.
British officers in WW1 had to buy their own “kit”, which included sidearms and holsters. Nearly all of these British contract Colt Eley revolvers were purchased by British officers. Much rarer than the Webley MK6, this example would be great addition to a WWI collection.
*Condition*
Old Specification and deactivated with a working action. The gun has age and service related wear and tear with a chip to the butt and scratching to the frame but is in good condition and retains its blued finish. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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