Colt was the pioneer in swing out cylinder double action revolvers of the classic design we think of today. Their first was introduced in 1889 and was an immediate success. The field of Colt double action swing out cylinder revolvers is a rather complex one, and rich for the collector. It may help to review four major frame sizes shown here. Top to bottom; The New Service Frame was the largest in the Colt line. This big revolver could be thought of as the base for the 45 caliber 6 shot, and was first introduced in 1897. The next largest frame, sometimes called the "41 Frame" for one of the original calibers was the first one made, introduced in 1889. It was the basis for their very successful line of 38 and 41 caliber, New Army and Navy revolvers, and is the ancestor of the Colt line of full size service revolvers. The medium-small frame can accommodate 6 shots of 38 caliber rounds in a compact package. It is perhaps best known for the basis for the Police Positive Special and Detective Special. The smallest Colt frame was introduced for the New Pocket revolver. This little frame has been used to accommodate 6 shot 32 caliber cylinders, including the "Pocket Positive" and the early versions of the square butt "Police Positive."

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The New Service was produced in it’s own s/n range. Confusing and conflicting information on the variations of the New Service revolver has been repeatedly published in a wide variety of references. I believe this can be traced back to some typos in an early key Colt reference book. As best I can sort them out, here’s my understanding of the model variations. Note that model transitions were slow and evolutionary rather than at a crisp cut-off date. (Also, bear in mind I’m not a New Service guy, and I’d appreciate further clarification from the New Service enthusiasts among you.).    Outstanding New Service Collection for sale at auction April 2006 - Click Here for info.

Old Model – 1898 through the 1905 to 1909 period. S/n range 1-21,000 (some sources say 12,000). Includes Target Models.

Improved Model – early 1900’s through late 1920’s / early 30’s. S/n range 21,000 – 325,000. (some sources say 32,500 – a typo, I believe.) Quick I.D. Clue – added July 4, 1905 patent dates on barrel. Note that this s/n range also includes the military models on the New Service frame – the Model 1909 & the Model 1917. Includes Target Models also.

New Model – late 1920’s through WWII. S/n range – over 325,000. Quick I.D. Clue – added Oct. 5, 1926 patent. Note that Shooting Masters are included in this s/n range.

This pioneer model of revolver was produced in a number of variations from 1892-1907, including sales to the US Military. Colt assigned a variety of Model designations to improvements in this design including Models 1892, 1894, 1895, 1901 and 1903. I’ve never found a good break down of exactly what these different model year designations mean, other than ominous words to the effect that differences between models are "subtle" and "internal." The primary difference between the "Army" and "Navy" models seems to be that a pony appears on the grip of the Army version. Both were offered in 38 Colt and 41 Colt.

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