A small mystery

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pawncop

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I have recently acquired a Colt New Service revolver in 45 Colt caliber. The date of manufacture is between 1939 and 1940.

There are three (3) patent dates on the barrel, Aug 5, 1884, July 4, 1905, and Oct 5, 1926. On the left side of the barrel is stamped "NEW SERVICE 45 COLT"

It has the checkered walnut grips with the Colt medallion and a lanyard ring.

On the backstrap is stamped "N. Y. S. T.".

On the bottom of the grips is stamped to the left of the lanyard ring
"L- No" and on the right of the lanyard ring is stamped 122.

Does anyone have any idea what the markings are for.

The revolver is in great shape and I am very pleased to have obtained it. I am just curious about it's history

Thank you all in advance.

Now I know this is the S&W board, but I also know that are a lot and I do mean a lot of very smart folks that may be able to help me here.
 
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I think Chad is rght. The New York State Troopers used the New Service for years, as did the US Border Patrol, the RCMP (1905-1954) and the Texas Highway Patrol.

It was also very well distributed throughout Britain and its colonies, often in .45 Colt caliber, not just in .455 and .476. I recall reading a little book from Colt that was printed in the 1930's that had an account of a Brit in India who carried one in .45 on a bear hunt. (He or she also had a rifle, of course.) Someone posted here about one that an ancestor bought in Malaya in about 1935. Had a good photo or two of it in its holster while the owner was hunting.

I've owned a 1930's New Service in .45 Colt, with the usual 5.5 inch barrel. It in was nearly new condition, and shot very well indeed with Remington factory ammo. On a good day, I could shoot offhand 25 yard groups with it that put all six shots into one jagged hole. Alas, it was one of several guns that I had to sell when a GI Education Bill check was late.

You are fortunate to have one made so late in its production that is in good shape.

T-Star
 
There was an interesting article about the New York State Troopers in a Gun Digest some years ago. It talked about them being armed with .45 Colts and (IIRC) Winchester rifles in the late teens, early '20s.

Sorry I can't recall the year of the GD.
 
I'm sure that it's New York State Troopers. I had one once that had "R.I.P." stamped on the frame. I just hope that it meant Rhode Island Police.
 
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