I'm looking for some advice. Maybe my search skills are weak ATM. I have a opportunity to buy a Colt service 44-40. It looks like its in good shape. Its been tucked away and dusty. Its single action blue steel original parts. My friend is asking $375. (No trolling) I'm assuming its worth it but not sure. What it "roughly" worth. No photo ATM or serial #.

Serial # is early 309,700's..

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One thing about folks in the Old West - they weren't afraid of innovation and new things, when it came to firearms.

One of the 'new things' was the Colt 'New Service' revolver that came about in November, 1898 - though you'll see 'Aug. 5, 1884' on the barrel.

That refers to the Carl J. Ehbets patent covering the swingout cylinder.

Standard barrel length is 7 1/2", though 4 1/2" and 5 1/2" are common as are lanyard loops.

It's a large-frame double action, built for large-caliber ammunition, and is 'legal in NCOWS.

Here's a synopsis:

Old Model - 1898-1909 - standard frame - #0 - 21,000

Target Model - 1900-1909

1909 Transition Model - standard and Target - #21,000 - 23,000

Improved Model, standard and Target - 1909-1917 - #23,000-143,000

1909 U.S. Military/1914 British Military - 1914-1917 - #65,000-139,000

1917 U.S. Army - 1917-1919 - #150,000-305,000

Improved Model - standard and Target - 1919-1928 - #303,000-328,000

Late Model - standard and Target - 1928 - End of Production - #328,000 - 356,914

All the New Service variations were numbered in a single series from 0 through approximately 357,000.

I'll try to get photos from the owner.

Is it a New Service DA or a SAA? Either way its a steal if its in decent condition.

SAA. I believe it was from just after the war. I'm waiting on the serial #.

You can flip it for at least 100% profit probably more. Just be sure its a genuine Colt. Don't waste time posting here, go buy it and then post pics.

Here is a photo from the owner. It looks like he will be keeping it at this point. Thanks.

New Service circa early 1920s.

That's a New Service. It should be DA and SA.