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LOT 1294
Incredibly Rare Experimental U.S. Signal Corps Colt Army Model
1894 Double Action Revolver with Adjustable Rear Sight, Frame Cut
for a Shoulder Stock, Holster, and Blueprints - Serial no. 110005, 38
Long Colt cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured
in 1898, this is a scarce example of an experimental U.S. Signal Corps contract
revolver or “pistol-carbine”. It has a rounded blade front sight, top strap groove and
a scarce added adjustable notch rear sight, “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A./PATENTED
AUG. 5. 1884 NOV. 6. 88. MAR. 5. 95” marked on top of the replaced barrel (almost certainly as part of the
experimental work), “COLT. D.A. 38.” on the left side of the barrel, “R.A.C” inspected frame and grip, “U.S./
ARMY/MODEL/1894/No/110/005” on the butt, slots cut into the heel and back of the grip frame for fitting
a shoulder stock, and “10005” on the crane, frame, cylinder latch, and grips. The included typed copy of an article titled
“A Pistol/Carbine for the Signal Corps” notes that in 1902 Springfield Armory and Colt devised modifications to the Model
1894 revolver and shoulder stocks so that it could be utilized as a carbine at the request of the U.S. Army Chief Signal
Officer who wanted a more mobile arm for his men. It went through multiple tests and modifications, including adding
the adjustable rear sight seen on this revolver. The article notes that only two revolvers that fit the description of these
revolvers/carbines are known. Included with the revolver is a copy of the outside cover of Colt’s military ledger book, a
copy of the title page, “Government Orders and Contracts/Sept 1902-1907”, and a copy of an entry in the book describing,
in detail, a revolver with the same features as this revolver that was delivered to Lt. Colonel Phipps of the U.S. Army
on December 26, 1902 at a cost of $12.00. It doesn’t appear this project went beyond a limited number of prototypes,
possibly only the two known, making this historic “pistol/carbine” an exceptional find. Per the article, none of the stocks/
holsters are known to have survived today. Though one example was sent to the Signal Corps for trial, nothing is known
of the trials or subsequent use. Includes three framed blueprints related to the combination stock/holster designs (two
marked “Colt’s Armory” and dated to May 1902). Also included is an unmarked black leather holster.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine overall, retaining 85% bright original high polish blue finish, some patches of brown
patina, smooth gray on parts of the back strap, and general minor scratches and marks. Mechanically excellent. The
framed blueprints are fine and have some staining, crinkling, and fading but retain distinct drawings. The holster is also
very good and has minimal wear. This is an incredibly rare revolver certain to add value and interest to any collection of
U.S. martial handguns or Colt revolvers!
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500