Colt Banker’s Special Model .22 LR 2″ Double Action Revolver, MFD 1934 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2626
LSB#: 210427LG01
Make: Colt
Model: Bankers Special
Serial Number: 368144
Year of Manufacture: 1934 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver With Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “22″, “BANKERS / SPECIAL”. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. / PAT’D AUG.5.1884 JULY 4.1905 OCT.5.1926”. The crane cut and the crane are marked with the serial number “368144”. The side plate is marked with a “Rampant Colt” logo. The left of the trigger guard is marked with “VP” in a triangle and “3”. The inside of each grip panel is stamped “8144”.
Barrel Length: 2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch at the rear of the top strap. The edges of the topstrap groove are serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered walnut with silver-colored Colt medallions at their tops. The grips have light handling wear with a few scattered light marks and a ding at the bottom-rear of the right panel. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 92% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There is some scattered light surface erosion, mostly along edges and on the sides of the hammer. There is a ding on the left-outside edge of the muzzle and there are nicks on the rear of the cylinder at each barrel as from dry-firing, though the firing pin is still intact. There are some other scattered minor marks and infrequent minor surface oxidation. The cylinder has a faint turn-line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup on this revolver is SOLID, with no play when the trigger is depressed. The double action trigger is smooth, the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Introduced in 1928 as a revolver for those who needed something small and quickly deployed, such as bank employees, the Bankers’ Special is a small-frame, 6-shot revolver chambered for the .38 Colt Police Positive or .22 Long Rifle cartridges. These short cartridges allowed for a shorter 1 1/4″ cylinder, reducing size and weight. This example is a .22 in Very Good condition, with much of its original finish, a bright bore and strong mechanics. These revolvers are not common, and so make a great addition to a Colt collection. It would also certainly serve its intended purpose just as well today as it would have in 1934. Please see our photos and good luck!