Colt Police Positive .32 Police Cartridge 4″ Revolver Manufactured 1912 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,401.00
LSB#: WY250401RK001
Make: Colt
Model: Police Positive
Serial Number: 98966
Year of Manufacture: 1912 (C&R Eligible)
Caliber: .32 Police Cartridge
Action Type: Double Action / Single Action Revolver, Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “POLICE POSITIVE .32 POLICE CTG.” The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. / PAT’D AUG. 5. 1884. JUNE 5. 1900. JULY 4. 1905.” The left side of the frame has the Rampant Colt logo in a circle. The underside of the barrel is marked with the serial number “98966.” The crane and crane cut are marked with matching assembly numbers.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is a square notch in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered hard rubber panels with “COLT” in an oval at the tops. The checkering is well-defined and there are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore but there is stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance shows only faint muzzle wear, a thin drag line on the cylinder, and a few scattered handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The pins are clean. The markings are sharp. Overall, this revolver rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly in both single and double action. The cylinder locks up tightly with minimal play. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Factory Box, Colt Letter, And paperwork.
Our Assessment: The Colt Police Positive was introduced in the early 1900s as a refined, medium-frame revolver aimed at law enforcement and civilian markets alike. Chambered in .32 Police Cartridge—a slightly modified .32 S&W Long—this revolver was tailored to police departments transitioning from larger-caliber sidearms to more manageable options with improved handling.
This example, manufactured in 1912, remains in remarkably well-preserved condition with its original blued finish still rich and intact. The revolver showcases the craftsmanship Colt was renowned for in the pre-WWI era, with crisp markings, clean mechanics, and finely checkered hard rubber grips.
With its early production date, matching numbers, and superb condition, this Colt Police Positive is a desirable piece for collectors of early 20th-century revolvers, law enforcement history enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a high-condition example of Colt’s legendary revolver craftsmanship. Please see our High Quality photos and good luck on your bids.-C.M.
