Factory Engraved Colt New Service Double Action Target Revolver

This is a wonderful work of rare early 20th century Colt artistry. Colt historian and author R.L. Wilson noted in "The Book of Colt Firearms," that fewer than 75 New Service revolvers were factory engraved. This factory engraved example was manufactured in 1913 and will be a standout piece to any private or public collection. The engraving consists of a factory "C" coverage with floral scrollwork on punch dot background, cross hatching, and zig-zag line and dot patterns. The revolver is decorated with a floral scroll engraving on finely stippled background. The revolver wears a set of Rampant Colt medallion diamond checkered walnut grips which are numbered to a different gun. The revolver is fitted with target sights: an elevation adjustable beaded blade front sight and a windage adjustable "U" notch rear sight. The barrel is marked with the two-line legend on top and "NEW SERVICE 45 COLT" on the left side. The sideplate has a Rampant Colt inside an oval surrounded by the factory engraving. The grip strap are checkered. Matching serial numbers appear on the inside of the frame and crane. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was sold to Harold White (address unavailable) and shipped on August 22, 1913, to T.B. Davis Arms Co. of Portland, Maine, with a 7 1/2 inch barrel in .45 caliber, blue finish, and type of stocks not listed. The letter also confirms the engraving: "Although the shipping record does not describe this revolver as being factory engraved, the production record does contain the notation indicating this firearm was engraved at the time of shipment." This was a single gun shipment.

Condition: Excellent, retaining 95% plus original blue finish showing some muzzle and edge wear and a noticeable cylinder drag line. The engraving is crisp. The grips are very fine with some dings on the bottom, divot near the top (left panel), and overall distinct checkering. Mechanically excellent. This factory engraved Colt New Service revolver will make a great addition to any collection no matter how advanced.