Firearms History And Collecting
POTD: Colt New Service – The Glahn Touch on a Working Gun
The Glahn-engraved Colt New Service revolver celebrates its legacy in fine craftsmanship
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Not specified
The Colt New Service revolver, a piece of firearm history, is featured today as part of the Photo of the Day (POTD). This particular revolver, manufactured in 1919, received the 'Glahn Touch' a deluxe engraving by Wilbur Glahn, one of Colt's most skilled engravers at the time. The revolver was part of Colt's factory return engraving business that kept its artisans busy during the lull between big orders. Engraving was an essential part of Colts craftsmanship, and this revolver exemplifies the artistry that went into custom firearms of that era. The Colt New Service is a revolver that combines both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The design of the revolver was meant for both everyday use and as a collectors item, making it versatile for the discerning firearm enthusiast. The engraving on this piece includes intricate foliate scrollwork with matted backgrounds, geometric patterns around the lanyard loop, and the frame front, which highlight Glahns mastery in creating detailed, customized designs. These intricate designs were not just decorative but a mark of excellence and a symbol of the high standards of Colt craftsmanship during the early 20th century. What makes this particular Colt New Service unique is its ivory grips with carved steer heads, which provide a Western romance that was quite popular in the 1919 era. The grips are complemented by silver Colt medallions and the marking 'VIIII,' which denotes it as a custom piece of work. This high level of customization meant that the revolver was not just a firearm but an iconic piece that represented both function and luxury. These custom features made the Colt New Service an object of desire for collectors of the time, and they continue to do so today. A particularly rare feature of this revolver is its ivory grips, which were custom made for this piece. Fewer than 75 engraved New Service revolvers are documented in Colt's records, and this piece does not appear in the available ledgers, suggesting it was either a special order or part of the informal engraving work at Colt. The absence of this particular revolver from Colts official records adds to its mystique, making it a rare find in the world of firearms collecting. In terms of rarity, engraved Colt revolvers like this one are becoming increasingly sought after by collectors. The detailed craftsmanship, along with the history behind each piece, adds to the intrigue of the Colt New Service revolver. As the years go by, firearms of this caliber only increase in value, and the legacy of Wilbur Glahns work continues to influence firearms enthusiasts today. The fact that Colt still carries the prestige of producing such finely detailed firearms speaks to the lasting legacy of their craftsmanship. Beyond just its aesthetic appeal, the Colt New Service revolver holds significant historical value. It represents an era of American firearms manufacturing that is no longer replicated today. The rise of mass production and modern firearms has made it increasingly difficult to find firearms with the unique, handcrafted touches that defined models like the New Service. Collectors and historians alike are drawn to the revolver for its connection to the past, and it serves as a reminder of the era when American firearm manufacturers were synonymous with quality and artistry.