What do I have?

[steelrat60]

I was given a Colt DA revolver and I am trying to find out more about it. My research so far leads me to think it is an army or police model in 32 cal, produced in the early 1900s. The barrel patent date markings are; aug 5 1884, june 5 1900 and july 4 1905 and chambered for 32 W.C.F. The barrel is 6". the serial # located on the bottom of the grip is 291xxx. The cylinder has 2 rows of indexing.

I wish it were a better example of this gun, it is badly worn, most of the bluing is gone from the frame and has some missing parts.

If I could find parts I think it could be returned to shooting condition.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Serial number should be inside the crane, not on the butt. Look it over carefull and post pics if you can.

 

[MMCSRET]

The cylinder with "two rows" of indexing leads me to believe that you have a New Army. They were produced in 32WCF for only the last 3 years of production 1905/06/07. The SN will be on the bottom of the grip frame if it is a NA. By the SN it was one of the last produced in 1907 when the NA was discontinued and the Army Special was introduced to replace the NA. I own and shoot a NA in 32-20 that is only a few thousand #'s earlier than yours, also 1907 production. Can be very good shooters but the lock work is rather fragile.
Mine is in very good condition for its age and retains about 75% of the finish and my stocks are really nice. Grand old guns!!!!!

 

[waidmann]

Ditto, New Army.

 

[steelrat60]

Thank you MMCSRET, that is the same information I came up with my own research, but I wasn't sure because there were some minor variations in the photos I found.

As I said, the handgun is missing some lockwork and what is still there shows serious wear and damage. I believe you when you say the lockwork is fragile. As it is now, it is unsafe to shoot. Research led me to a gunsmith in Nebraska that specializes in Colt pistols, hopefully they have or can make the parts I need.

 

[MMCSRET]

I have gotten parts from "coltparts.com" and "gunparts". They have to be fitted, that is sometimes a problem. Good luck.

 

[steelrat60]

Thanks for the responses,

I can indeed get the parts and have a local gunsmith that can do the work... now I just have to make it happen.

 

[Jim K]

It could also be a New Navy; in that period they were the same except for the design on the original hard rubber grips.

A gunsmith who will work on those guns is a jewel of great value. Keep him happy.

Jim