need info colt new service in 455 Eley

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mm1ut1

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Trying to find out about when a Colt new service SN 5 5876 (space after the first "5") was built. It is in 455 Eley, but no other markings/proofs. Did Colt sell many civilian models? Thanks in advance....m
 
Colt did an extersive business with the British and its Empire. However sales within the United States didn't include many in .455. I would expect proof marks (military or commercial) to be all over it if it went to England, but not necessarily if it was sold in Canada.

Anyway, if the number is 5,876, and the extra 5 is an inspector's stamp (as I suspect it is) the revolver was made in 1901. If the number really is 55,876 it was made during 1912.

A picture might help to make a more positive identification.
 
A quick way to tell if it was made before or after 1909 is to see if the gun has the positive hammer block and the new style trigger guard machining with the top "V" of the trigger guard flat with the frame. If there is a "step" from the frame to the "V" of the guard, it is an old (pre-1909) model.

The .455 Eley, .476 Eley and the .450 Eley, were among the first calibers for the New Service and the .455 remained in production at least through WWI, being sold not only to the RNWMP (RCMP) but also to the British government after 1914. (After WWI, the Canadians ordered New Service revolvers, but in .45 Colt, not .455.)

Jim
 
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