This is an excellent example of an original unaltered and relatively scarce nickel plated Colt New Service revolver as manufactured in 1923. This mid- production New Service has the scarce 5 1/2 inch barrel. The top of the barrel is marked with the earlier style, two-line markings of "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. over PAT'D AUG 5, 1884 JUNE 4. 1900 JULY.4. 1905" and the left side of the barrel is marked in small letters "NEW SERVICE" and it is marked with the dual caliber markings of "RUSSIAN AND / S&W SPECIAL 44". The side plate has the Rampant Colt behind the cylinder latch and the lower frame area above the trigger guard bow has the Colt "VP" Verified Proof and the rear section has the small inspector number "3". It has the smooth grip straps and trigger face, checkered hammer spur and ejector rod head, and square cylinder latch. It has the standard fixed blade front sight and grooved top strap for the rear sight. It has an all nickel plated finish and is fitted with a set of mother of pearl grips. It has matching numbers on the crane and frame.

Near excellent overall with approximately 95% of the original nickel plated finish. Minor wear or flaking overall on edges and high spots with some more noticeable flaking on the lower front edge of the frame, the edge of the trigger guard and some minor flaking or spotting on the side plate, the face of the cylinder, the cylinder stops and a couple of spots on the side of the hammer. The very good mother of pearl grips have attractive color on both sides with the right grip having the lower rear corner chipped and broken off with a small chip above the medallion.