February 5, 6, & 7, 2019 Field & Range Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/6/2019
Arguably one of the last affordable U.S. military series handguns, this was part of the series that started in 1889, being the first US revolver issued with the swing out cylinder. They were built on the new Army/Navy frame and went through several updates starting 1892 and going to 1903, all of which improved on the 1892. This model 1903 was built in 1904 and is dated as such on the left side of the frame. Also on left side of frame you will find various US inspectors cartouches including "JEH" for Jay E. Hoffer and "KSM" for Kelly S. Morse. Butt is stamped "US ARMY MODEL 1903" with lanyard ring. Bottom of right grip panel and back of cylinder stamped "KSM". CONDITION: These revolvers were factory finished in the pre-war high polish blue with six shot fluted cylinder, two piece walnut grips, and lanyard. Revolver has all the usual small handling marks expected of a military gun but still retains approximately 75% of the blue finish Colt was famous for during this era. Generous amounts of fire blue on back of hammer and grip screws. Grips are excellent. Indexes and locks up fine. Near mint bore. It is always a good idea, if you collect US military weapons, to pick up examples of this revolver as they become more and more collectible. We can think of no other US military weapons from this time period at such an affordable value.
Caliber/Bore
.38 Long Colt