Make: Colt
Model: Custom “Fitz Special” Style US Army New Service Model 1917
Serial Number: Factory Serial Number: 182065, Army Serial Number: 29512
Year of Manufacture: 1919 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The crane cut is marked “182065”, found again in the crane. The sideplate has a Rampant Colt. There is a circled "GHS" inspector's mark above the sideplate on the left of the frame. The butt is marked "U.S. / ARMY / MODEL / 1917 / No / 29 / 512". The inside of each grip panel has "182065" hand-written in pencil. The left of the barrel is marked "COLT D.A. 45".
Barrel Length: The barrel has been cut to 2 1/2”.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead installed on the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut. The grips have some nicks, scuffs, and scratches, most notable at the bottom edge of the left panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Green Cerakote
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates an 8-9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its current metal finish. The new finish is generally strong throughout. There is some scattered nicking and infrequent minor erosion under the finish. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine condition as customized.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has no play with the trigger depressed on all chambers. The single action trigger pull is crisp, however with the bobbed hammer it is concomitantly difficult to cock. The double action is smooth. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a commercial lanyard and two half-moon clips.
Our Assessment: With America’s entry into WW1, it quickly became evident that Colt could not produce enough Model 1911 pistols for the US Army. Some .38 revolvers were distributed to rear echelon troops, guards, and the Navy, but the Army also desired a revolver capable of using the same .45 ACP ammunition as the 1911. Both Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector and Colt New Service revolvers chambered for .45 ACP were approved as substitute standard and designated the Model 1917. The New Service’s large frame made the new Colt M-1917 a very rugged service revolver.
Since leaving military service, this revolver has been heavily customized in the style of a "Fitz Special", with the barrel cut back to 2 1/2", the hammer bobbed, and the front of the trigger guard removed to ease access to the trigger. These “Fitz Special” revolvers were popular with “gumshoe detectives” in the interwar period for their compact, handy design. The gun has been given a green cerakote finish with a brass bead installed for the front sight. The result is a very intriguing revolver that will display well in any collection and should prove to be a fun shooter too.
Pistol