Only 1,200 Model 1909 Double Action revolvers were manufactured by Colt for the Marine Corps and surviving examples are scarce. (In addition, there were 50 replacement revolvers made, of which this example is one.) Features a standard fixed blade and frame notch sights, the two-line Colt address and patent dates on the top of the barrel, and "COLT D.A. 45" on the left side of the barrel. The side plate is marked with the early style Rampant Colt logo over a stylized "C". The grip frame has the correct, slightly rounded and more narrow butt found only on the U.S.M.C. model with "U.S./M.C./No." stamped on the butt in reverse of the standard Marine Corps model. The frame is stamped with a "square/6" indicating was factory assembled from one of 50 replacement frames manufactured by Colt and numbered in this special series in 1910. This procedure was outlined in a Colt factory memo dated August 17, 1910, a copy of the memo can be found on page 28 of "Colt New Service Revolvers" by Bob Murphy. Fitted with a smooth niter blue trigger and checkered hammer with niter blue top and polished sides. The grips have the distinctive hand-checkering found on the U.S.M.C. model with diamonds at the screws. The butt is correctly not marked with a service number.

Very good. 20% of the original blue finish remains with the balance having mostly aged to a dark brown/blue patina with some edge and high point wear, spotting, small dings, and handling marks throughout. The grips are good with well defined checkering, handling marks, and dings and deeps indentations, confined mainly to the butt. Mechanically excellent.