Colt New Service

[bookman]

Picked up a Colt New Service today,marked new service 45 colt on the bbl.
SN#341*** and the lanyard is there and it has the marking on the butt GA.S.P. NO** Ok can anyone tell me what the GA.S.P. is.When it was made?,and will it take 45acp?.

Thank's
Bookman

 

[Old Fuff]

Well it was made in 1937 which makes it a late model. It is probably chambered in .45 Colt, because most of those in .45 ACP were marked "Colt D.A. 45." Look in the cylinder. the chamber will be long for the .45 Colt and much shorter for the .45 ACP. Also the .45 Colt guns don't have enough clearence for the half or full moon clips required in .45 ACP guns.

"GA.S.P." is most likely the Georgia State Police, but you'd have to confirm that with a letter from Colt, and they are expensive. You might write a letter to Georgia and see what they say. In any case the New Service was a very popular revolver with state highway patrols - mostly chambered in .45 Colt, although the Border Patrol had them in .38 Special.

 

[bookman]

Old Fuff
Thank you,thank you thank you...Have a nice day....

Bookman...

 

[Norm357]

Bookman and Old Fuff, The Ga State Patrol has never issued the colt new service. I confirmed this with my neighbor who is a trooper and he called and asked. He suggests that maybe it was a State Guards gun or something along those lines.


Norm

 

[Dr.Rob]

Georgia State Pen?

As in jail?

My little blue book also says 1937.

 

[guy sajer]

Great gun bookman !

Not to be contradictive , but the Georgia State Police did indeed buy some New Service's back in the 1930's . Nickel plated 45 Colt with 51/2" barrel . Many have been documented .

Mitch

 

[Old Fuff]

There are two possible ways to find out about the "GA.S.P." marking.

1. Write a letter to the Georgia State Police and see what they might be able too tell you. Other then postage it shouldn't cost you anything.

2. Write to Colt. They will research their records and give you what ever information they find. But the letter will probably cost $100.00 and upwards.

In any case you have an exceptionally fine revolver. Made back when "they did it right."