old Colt identification

[atr]

I need some help to identify this Colt...it was my grandfathers and I estimate he purchased it sometime between 1914 and 1920

on the top of the barrel is printed
COLT'S PT F A MFG CO HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.
PATENTED AUG.5.1885 NOV.6.88 MAR.5.95.

on the left side of the barrel is printed
COLT. D.A. 38

serial numbers on the butt are 255
559
B 22

it has a 6" barrel / Blade & Notch sights
so....what is this....and what was it originally designed to shoot?
......my estimate is that is an 1895 New Army .38 Long Colt
thanks guys
UPDATED: I found another source which tells me that this is a "second issue" 1895 New Army and that it was chambered for the .38 Special.....
I have been shooting 125gr cast light loads in the revolver

[Mk42gunner]

atr,

Nice revolver. I know next to nothing about these old Colt .38's; but I think you are right that it is chambered for the .38 Long Colt. I have never heard if these are safe for smokeless loads or not, but I would not want to destroy my Grandfather's gun.

With the time it has been in your family, I would spring for a factory letter for it. I am not sure if those are available from Colt or the Buffalo Bill Museum.


Robert

[Bret4207]

I'm sure there are Colt collectors sites on the net that could give you the definitive answer, but AFAIK that's a 38 Long Colt, yes.

[Dframe]

It looks like a "New Army / New Navy" and most likely is a 38 Colt long

[scrapcan]

http://proofhouse.com/

has a section for colt dating of serial numbers. might be some good reading and help to date.

[atr]

thanks jt.....that reference you gave me was VERY helpful,,,it indicates that this Colt was manufactured between 1905 and 1906
my reference book indicates that this would be a "second issue" Colt, and that the
.38 special was introduced in 1904......