Manufactured in 1934. The Colt factory letter that accompanies the revolver states that it was shipped from the Colt factory to J.J. Galef in New York City on November 30, 1934. It also lists the revolver as having a .38/40 4 1/2 inch barrel, the revolver accurately has a .44-40 cal 5 1/2 inch barrel. So either it’s a factory recording error or the barrel and cylinder have been replaced. The revolver incorporates a number of features from earlier production New Service revolvers. In addition to the early style grips, the barrel has the second style pre-1926 marking "COLT'S PT.F.A MFG CO. HARTFORD, CT.U.S.A./PAT'D AUG. 5,1884. JUNE 5 1900, JULY 4, 1905". The frame is the early style with rounded top strap, u-shaped rear sight notch and polished finish. The cylinder latch is the pre-1928 square pattern and the trigger is smooth. The left side of the barrel is marked "NEW SERVICE 44-40". The Rampant Colt is located on the left side of the frame behind the cylinder latch. The Colt "VP/triangle" proofmark is stamped just above the left front trigger guard bow and the assembler's mark "3" is stamped over the left rear bow. "L/336699/O" is stamped on the inside of the frame in the crane well and the serial number is stamped on the inside of the cylinder crane. This revolver is an interesting example of Colt's use of earlier production New Service parts to manufacture the final production New Service revolvers.

Excellent. The revolver retains nearly 98% of the original commercial blue finish with only the slightest marks from storage. The cylinder has a very faint drag line. All markings are perfect. The grips are in excellent condition with one very minor chip and some scuffing on the lower right edge. A nearly new, 'transitional' Colt New Service revolver.