colt new service

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lynx0069

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i've just received a colt new service revolver today, and was wondering if anyone knew how to trace the history of it.
its a .455 webley chambering, marked .455 eley on the barrel, and has british proof marks on the left side of the frame, with no marking on the back strap or bottom of the grip.
i'm pretty sure it was made in 1916, by checking the serial number on colts website....but i would like to know more about it....without having to pay $100 american to colt for their tracing and letter
any help is appreciated
 
I don't know of any source for further information on specific guns other than the Colt letter.......and that usually only gives you when and to whom it was shipped. If there are no broad arrow markings it was likely a private purchase by an officer.

Some good historical info on Colt firearms in general on this website

www.coltfever.com
 
thanks for that link...i hadn't come across that one yet.
and it does have the "broad arrow" proof mark, on the left frame in front of the hammer, as well as crossed flags on frame behind the barrel, and what looks like 3 crossed arrows under the front of the cylinder
 
If you like books there is a great reference book available on the whole history of the series of New Service revolvers from 1898 to 1942

"COLT"S NEW SERVICE REVOLVER" by T. J Mullin, hard cover 260 pages
 
lynx0069 said:
thanks for that link...i hadn't come across that one yet.
and it does have the "broad arrow" proof mark, on the left frame in front of the hammer, as well as crossed flags on frame behind the barrel, and what looks like 3 crossed arrows under the front of the cylinder
Click to expand...

The "broad arrow" isn't a proof mark but rather an indication of government ownership. The crossed flags are proof marks. Pictures would help but I'd say your gun was part of a wartime military order.
 
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