Here for your perusal is Colt New Service .45 DA Colt Army Model of 1909 serial number 30443 which was 1 of 750 shipped to United States Government Commanding Officer Ordnance Depot Manila, The Philippines on June 17, 1909. Army Inspectors of Ordnance R.A.C (Rinaldo A. Carr) is visible underneath barrel; on back of cylinder and left side of frame and FB (Major Frank Baker) is seen on left side of frame.
Oh wow! What a piece of history! Somewhere along the line it has been parkerized and it looks as though the grips may have been sanded down a bit, but there can't be very many left in any condition. The Army only bought about 20,000, most of which never made it home from the Phillipines. These routinely go for 2500-4000 bucks when they hit the auction sites. Congratulations on your acquisition. I had a chance to buy a navy version some years back but it was too rich for my wallet.
_________________________________________________It's not that I can't spell: it is that I can't type.
Shame it was Parkerized, although appears professionally done, perhaps a WW2 refurbish.
Original finish according to your factory letter was blue. Mine has gone almost completely to patina.Attachment 280403
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Nice very nice
Awesome piece of history!!
Actual evidence that the military listened to their field reports and issued a stop-gap measure.
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Thank you for showing us that treasure, varifleman. I've only seen 4 or 5 in my lifetime. When in my 30s I frequented a gun shop, and the owner kept one under the counter. When he went out of business I had an opportunity to buy it, but had too many other obligations at the time.
DG
I’ve got a nice one but it’s 455 Eley. I’ve got a 45 Colt cylinder / complete assembly but have never got around to fitting it. I doubt I will since I’ve got 3 45Colt S&Ws.Attachment 280404
I have 200 rounds of 45 Colt ammo coming soon so will post a range report when I shoot it. I think almost all the Colt 1909s remained in the Philippines during their service life; perhaps Parkerized there. I've also got a WWI British Contract Colt New Service .455 Eley; will have to track down photos etc to post.
Last edited by varifleman; 03-29-2021 at 12:02 PM.
They are worth lots more if kept in the original .455 Eley caliber. Now that Starline has brass readily available there is no reason to convert it. My 1914 .455 Eley was part of a 600-gun shipment to the London Armoury Co. and has Birmingham proofs, but no government property or regimental markings. It was likely a private sale, as officers were required to furnish their own kit.Originally Posted by Drm50
Attachment 280409Attachment 280410
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You guys are turning me greenwith envy! I've got several 1917s in .45 ACP, but no Eleys. I sure would have like to have them in my collection, but I've pretty much stopped acquiring--just getting too old to keep accumulating.
I always wanted a DA in .45 Colt, and I think I was more in love with that idea than with the New Service, which I find a bit large for my hand. Not to say that I don't like to shoot them...I do! I think it was about 1987 and I visited a LGS. There in the case was a S&W blue 6" in .45 Colt with an unfluted cylinder. It must have been an "N" frame, but it felt much better in the hand than a 1917. I think the price was about $450. I handed it back, but couldn't get it out of my head and went back the next day. Gone. Never saw another until at a gun show in 2006. The show was put on by our gun club and I was working security. The security people weren't allowed to do shopping while working. There, on a table with several hundred other handguns was a 4 inch. It showed some finish wear, but looked pretty nice. When I went back later at the end of my shift---gone. So, all my .45 Colt revolvers are Peacemaker-types.
DG
Absolutely Beautiful
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Here are photos of my Colt New Service .455 Webley pistol which was 1 of 500 shipped to the London Armoury Company on December 26, 1916. It has a very interesting service history since it has British Army acceptance, proof and property marks and AEF (American Expeditionary Forces/US Flag cartouches on the grip and AEF stamp on the bottom of back strap. Still shoots flawlessly after almost 100 years!
Last edited by varifleman; 03-29-2021 at 03:05 PM.
Few more photos:
Another beauty! Sir, you seem to be an advanced collector. Congratulations on owning such nice pieces.
DG
Wonderful stuff! I had heard rumor of AEF use of .455s, but until now had never seen evidence to authenticate it.
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A few more photos:
I got this book a few years ago and it contains good information about AEF troops who served under British command and were issued British firearms.
Several years ago I was fortunate to obtain a crate of .455 Eley WWII issue ammo similar to this one and all of it is still good as the day it was made!
I have some of similar vintage.
It is quite accurate and nearly silent when fired from the 20-inch Garden Gun.
Attachment 280467
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Can't tell from the photo of the chambers, does yours have the groove behind the throats?
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