Description from HiBid
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ACP Target Revolver King Sights, 1920 C&R. Make: Colt
Model: Custom New Service Model of 1917 US Army
Serial Number: Government Serial Number: 109765, Factory Serial Number: 262065
Year of Manufacture: 1920
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Barrel Length: 5 1/2"
Sights / Optics: A Colt-King Super Target ventilated rib has been installed along the top of the barrel and topstrap. It appears to be pinned to the original front sight, though we have not removed to inspect, and the topstrap has been inlet for the full-length tail. The rib incorporates a King reflector front sight with red plastic bead and a white-outlined square notch target rear sight, adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut Roper combat stocks which have finger grooves and enclose the grip frame. The grips fit with a slight gap along the rear edge. The grips have only a few scattered light marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: The hammer spur has been re-checkered and cold-blued. The sight assembly is not original to the revolver. Otherwise, the finish is Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore, mostly at the muzzle-end. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8-9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Most of the balance is handling wear in the grip areas, covered by the grips when installed. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation, also mostly covered by the grips. There are a few other minor marks. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-plus condition as customized.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: With America's entry into WWI, it was found that Colt could not produce enough Model 1911 pistols for the U.S. Army. Some .38 revolvers were distributed to rear echelon troops, guard, and the Navy, but the Army also wanted some commercial revolver production to be used for a revolver capable of using the same ammunition as the 1911 semi-auto. Both Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector and Colt New Service revolvers chambered for .45 ACP were approved as substitute standard and designated the Model 1917. Colt's M1917 was built on the same large frame as the Colt New Service revolver, making for a very rugged service revolver.
This example was produced after the end of the war in 1920, and has since been customized rather nicely as a target revolver. A Colt-King Super Target ventilated rib has been installed with a target rear sight and a King reflector front sight with a red plastic bead. The quality of the work may indicate the work was actually done at King's. The inlet on the topstrap is very clean and the front of the rib appears to be pinned to the original front sight. Most surprising, it retains original blue finish despite the alteration. Rounding out the customization is a nice set of Roper checkered combat stocks. The result is an attractive target revolver that should still prove to be a good shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
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