Lot 3421: U.S. Marine Corps Colt Model 1909 Double Action Revolver

This is an excellent original example of a Colt U.S. Marine Corps contract Model 1909 DA revolver that was manufactured in 1910. The Marine Corps purchased 1,300 New Services revolvers in the 23101-26300 serial number range from Colt through the Navy Department beginning in May 1909. In addition to the "U.S.M.C." markings, the Marine Model 1909 revolvers had a narrower round profile butt and were fitted with checkered two-piece walnut grips. This revolver has the Colt high polish blue finish with color casehardened ejector rod and lanyard swivel, niter blue trigger and hammer top and polished hammer sides. The butt is roll-stamped "U.S./M.C." in two lines behind the lanyard swivel and has the Marine Corps serial number "No/355" stamped in two lines ahead of the swivel. The left side of the barrel is roll-stamped "COLT D.A. 45" and the top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line Hartford legend and 1884, 1900 and 1905 patent dates. The left side of the frame behind the cylinder latch is roll-stamped with the Rampant Colt trademark on top of a stylized "C". The Colt serial number, "24619" is stamped on the inside of the frame and cylinder crane. The partial serial number "4619" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder latch. "24619" and "619" are written in pencil on the inside of both grips. The cylinder is stamped with an assembly number beneath the ejector. A "T" inspection of assembly mark is stamped on the inside of the frame near the serial number. The Colt "Triangle/VP" proof mark is stamped on the left side of the frame above the front trigger guard bow and a "3" assembler's mark is stamped above the rear trigger guard bow. The underside of the barrel is correctly not roll-stamped with the "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" marking found on Army and Navy Model 1909 revolvers or the Ordnance final inspection monogram. Produced in limited numbers, Marine Model 1909 DA revolvers are difficult to find in any condition and are both rare and desirable U.S. martial arms. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection

Excellent. The revolver retains 90% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish. There is very minor edge wear on the muzzle, cylinder and frame. The backstrap has light to moderate handling wear and the blue finish is thin. The barrel, frame and cylinder have some scattered and very minor handling and storage marks. Most of the fiery niter blue finish is present on the trigger and the top of the hammer. All of the barrel, frame and cylinder markings are sharp. The walnut grips are excellent, the checkered panels are sharp and the grips have most of the original varnish finish. The action is tight and functions perfectly. This is most likely the finest U.S.M.C. Model 1909 DA revolver that we have ever offered at auction and is a key piece in any Colt of U.S. martial arms collection.