Engraved Colt Police Positive Special 4″ .32-20 WCF Revolver, 1910 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3162.99
LSB#: 230122CH002
Make: Colt
Model: Police Positive Special, Custom Engraved
Serial Number: 29464
Year of Manufacture: 1910 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .32-20 W. C. F.
Action Type: Single Action/Double Action with Swing Out Cylinder
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade integral to a rectangular base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is u-notch integral to the top strap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two piece smooth pearl panels. The right panel has a loss and some sort of fill in the bottom-rear corner. Each has some minor surface cracks and discoloration from age and oil. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued, Fire-Blue Hammer & Trigger
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling shows wear, but is visible. There is scattered light erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 6 out of 10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950’s.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its current metal finish. The new finish is generally strong throughout, with some minor scuffing and infrequent spots of erosion under the finish. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with a usable slot. The markings are generally clear, some are worn and incomplete. The engraving is crisp. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-plus condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder has no play when the trigger is depressed. The double action trigger is fairly smooth. The single action trigger is crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Police Positive .38 was the successor to Colt’s Lightning Double Action model. It was introduced in 1905 and offered a more powerful alternative to Colt’s New Police model. They quickly became popular due to their swing-out cylinder which greatly reduced reloading time, and its smaller frame which was convenient to carry while out and about. The “Positive” refers to the positive locking system on the cylinder which ensures a solid lockup while the trigger is depressed, a feature which would continue through Colt’s Serpent series. The Colt Police Positive Special was basically the same revolver as the Police Positive, except it had a longer cylinder for the .38 Special cartridge, and a slightly longer frame to hold it. This model came out in 1907. It is interesting that they could afford to make both versions at the same time, and that they could find a market for both, but this finally changed after WWII with everyone wanting the more potent cartridge, and the Police Positive was dropped about the same time as the 3rd Issue Police Positive Special came out.
This is an interesting Police Positive Special, made in 1910. It is blued with a 4” barrel and chambered in .32-20 WCF. The revolver has been custom-engraved with a new finish applied and after-market pearl grips, giving it a striking and unique appearance. This vintage revolver is extremely well made, and would have had to be, in this nice of mechanical condition after so many years. It will certainly stand out in any collection. Good luck and happy bidding!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California -Bud
