WWII U.S. Colt Detective Special 2″ .38 Spl Revolver & Letter, 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $5000
LSB#: 220307KW024
Make: Colt
Model: Detective Special
Serial Number: 466877
Year of Manufacture: Colt’s serial lookup indicates production in 1938 (COLT Serial Number Lookup, the included Colt Archive letter indicates that the revolver shipped March 4, 1943.
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot DA/SA Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “38” and “DETECTIVE / SPECIAL”. The crane flat and crane arm are marked with serial number, “466877”. The sideplate has a rampant colt logo. The trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “4” on the left. The right 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 left of the frame has a flaming bomb Ordnance mark above the latch.
Barrel Length: 2”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade integral to a rectangular base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch integral to the top strap. There are serrations along the edges of the groove along the length of the top strap for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with silver colored Colt medallions at their tops. The grips have fairly even light handling wear with a few light nicks and scratches, mostly on the bottom of the panels. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is handling wear in the grip areas. There are some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and minor surface oxidation, most in the grip areas. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with no play on each chamber when the trigger is depressed. The double action trigger is smooth, the single action is crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough and consistent cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This revolver comes in a (modern) two-piece cardboard craft box with hand-written label and a Colt Archive letter confirming that this revolver shipped in its present configuration on March 4, 1943 to the Transportation Officer at Fort Myer in Rosslyn, Virginia as one of 280 guns of the same type in the shipment.
Our Assessment: The Detective Special had been very popular with law enforcement and civilians who carry a concealed revolver as it allowed for a six-shot revolver in the same frame size as other revolvers which only offered a five-round capacity. This example was produced during WWII and shipped to Fort Myer in Virginia. These revolvers saw use in various roles such as military intelligence and plainclothes military police.
This revolver comes from the personal collection of author Kevin Williams, best known for his exceptional work on the topic of General Officers Pistols & Clandestine Organization Pistols of WWII, a nice bonus for collectors of these types of handguns. According to his research, this revolver would most likely have seen use in either Military Intelligence or Counter Intelligence, though the documentation available stops at Fort Myer. It will make a great addition to any collection, especially one focused on Colt revolvers or military purchased sidearms. Good luck and happy bidding!