Colt New Service in 44 S&W question on the markings

I acquired this Colt New Service long ago and beside the refinish and rubber target grips... there is several markings, crossed flags, a star and possibly a Broad Arrow on the frame by the hammer. I have a SW MP Victory with the crossed flags and a broad arrow and was told these were British Lend Lease marks. I always intended to shot this pistol but never did, hence its nice condition. Any information on these marks is greatly appreciated. As a note, I wanted to have a big shinny revolver to bring to the range, and I had recently returned my Chrome Colt Python to its original owner, by brother.

Just punting but Pic #3 C broad arrow Canadian (Probably incorrect but I am trying) the opposed arrows Pic #2 I thought denoted sold out of service. Nice looking wheel gun by the way..:thup:

Your New Service was built as a .455 in the 1914-16 period.

The barrel is from the end of production (mid 1930's to early 1940's).
It's not factory Bluing.

Many NOS spare parts (barrels and cylinders) were sold off by Colt between the late 1940s and 1960.

Someone (other than the factory) rebuilt that revolver into a .44 in the 1950's to 1970's period.

The British markings are WW1 era, the C^ could be as late as WW2.

The "Russian and / S & W Special" ".44" caliber marking is the one that everyone goes GaGa over...

Nice 555 mirror polish job. It takes lots of time and care to get that one right without obliterating markings completely. They have been lightened though, look at the rampant colt. No, that's an aftermarket job not factory.

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Originally Posted by Lee Enfield

Your New Service was built as a .455 in the 1914-16 period.

The barrel is from the end of production (mid 1930's to early 1940's).

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Very interesting, I knew it was far from original..aka Bubba Special even if a well done. How did you know it was built in .455 and had a different barrel? ...and only from 3 pictures... Thank you for the information.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cheese Noodles

Very interesting, I knew it was far from original..aka Bubba Special even if a well done. How did you know it was built in .455 and had a different barrel? ...and only from 3 pictures... Thank you for the information.

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.455 because of the British acceptance markings.

If you remove the Grips, there should be a capital "E" stamped on the frame.

Post WW1 barrel due to the re-inforce against the frame (1919 and later).


1929-1941 barrel due to front sight having a step in the thickness.

I have a few New Services...