Colt New Service .455 Webley British-Contract Revolver, 5.5" Barrel, 1916 London Armoury Shipment (WWI)
This British-contract Colt New Service stands out for its confirmed World War I provenance and correct .455 Eley/Webley chambering. A Colt Archive letter verifies shipment to London Armoury Company on December 12, 1916 as part of a 400-gun lot, and notes the original blue finish. British proof and inspection marks, a 5.5" barrel, and period-correct features (with later replacement grips) make this an appealing, well-documented example.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Widespread finish wear and patina are present, along with scattered scratches and blemishes. Minor pitting is observed. The action is smooth and the lockup is tight.
What’s Included
- Colt Archive letter of authenticity confirming .455 Eley chambering, 5.5" barrel, and shipment to London Armoury Company on December 12, 1916 (part of a 400-gun shipment)
- Modern Colt-branded zippered soft pistol rug (included)
Built for British service during WWI, this New Service is chambered in .455 Webley (.455 Eley) and retains the correct 5.5" barrel length and fixed sights. The Archive letter ties this revolver to a documented December 12, 1916 shipment to London Armoury Company, providing solid provenance and production context.
Contract-specific markings and features include British proof and inspection marks on the frame and barrel, the broad arrow, and crossed-sceptres/flags. It also carries the Rampant Colt logo on the left frame, a lanyard swivel, a fluted six-shot cylinder, and a knurled ejector-rod head, aligning with period British requirements.
The revolver is double-action/single-action with an exposed hammer and steel construction. The original blue finish is noted in the factory documentation. Later replacement brown plastic Colt medallion grips (postwar "Coltwood" style) are fitted and are not original to 1916.
Fixed sights consist of a half-moon front blade and a topstrap rear notch. The mechanical operation is sound with smooth cycling and tight lockup, matching the overall well-cared-for bore condition and rifling.