Colt 1889/95
Model 1889 revolver converted to the Model 1895 mechanism
as indicated by the locking dimples around the cylinder, which did not appear on
the original model.
There is little to say about this revolver, which was not
produced for long (according to James Serven only from 1889 to 1892, according
to the Blue Book and Flayderman with a few more examples produced until 1894).
Total production was approximately 31,000 units, the
first 5,000 of which were acquired by the US Navy, making it a fairly rare
weapon. Available barrel lengths: 3", 4 1/2", and 6". All units sold to the US
Navy were chambered in .38 Long Colt and blued with wooden grips; those intended
for the civilian market were available in .38 or .41 calibers and had Bakelite
grips with the Colt logo in an oval, finished in blue or nickel. This particular
example is a civilian unit. The cylinder rotates counterclockwise (to the left),
a foolish and incomprehensible military requirement that provoked a wave of
anger at both Colt and Smith & Wesson due to the costs incurred by this
unnecessary change.
Marcel.
