FBI Attributed Colt Official Police .38 Special 4″ DA/SA Revolver 1949 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,275.00
LSB#: LSB251107RG008
Make: Colt
Model: Official Police Model
Serial Number: 770663
Year of Manufacture: 1949 / C&R ()
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: DA/SA Double Action and Single Action 6-Shot Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” The left side of the barrel is marked “OFFICIAL POLICE / .38 SPECIAL CTG.” The left side of the frame is faintly marked with the rampant Colt logo. The crane and crane cut are marked with the serial number “770663” with various proof marks. The front of the trigger guard is marked with the “VP” proof mark with a “T” at the rear of the trigger guard.
Barrel Length: 4″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the rear of the top strap. The sides of which are serrated to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two piece checkered wood with silver Colt medallions at the top. There are several deep compression dings in the grips and the checkering is slightly worn but visible. The grip is augmented by a Mershon”SURE GRIP” adapter. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in about Good condition
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well-defined though slightly rounded. There is light stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 85% of its blued finish. There is handling and operational wear throughout. There is some oxidation forming on the hammer. There is thinning of finish on the leading edges of the frame and the cylinder, particularly on the right side of the frame near the top strap. There are light scratches and thinning on the cylinder and the frame. There is a turn line on the cylinder and wear in the cylinder stops along with carbon rings on the face of the cylinder. There is thinning on the muzzle. The screw heads are sharp. All markings are clear but fading. Overall, this revolver rates in about Very Good condition as a C&R
Mechanics: The action functions properly. The single action is crisp, the double action is smooth. The cylinder locks up with no play when the trigger is depressed. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: Leather holster (attributed to Donald E. Bardsley, F.B.I.) and Colt Factory letter with purchase attributed to Joseph A. Lorch, Colt’s representative in Washington D.C. for many years.
Our Assessment: The Colt Official Police stands as one of the most significant American service revolvers of the 20th century, forming the backbone of Colt’s law enforcement offerings for decades. According to notes from the consignor, this revolver was owned by Donald E. Bardsley of the F.B.I., U.S.N. # 2292593. The FBI was not known for applying proof marks or any other identification on their agent firearms. The factory letter states that the revolver was shipped to Joseph A. Lorch at nue N.W. in Washington, D.C., on April 18, 1949, with five other guns of the same type. Lorch was well connected within the elite at Colt and likely among the elite in Washington. As Colt’s representative and distributor in the capital, Lorch was involved in getting firearms, including presentation pieces, to politicians and military officials. Several photographs of Lorch with officials attest to his role. He received many shipments of Colt pistols and revolvers and often delivered them personally to federal agencies, employees or military personnel. According to the factory letter, the shipping address was . Washington D.C., which was an office building that previously housed some Agency officials prior to their move to the Department of Justice Building in 1934.
The Colt Official Police stands as one of the most important American service revolvers of the 20th century, forming the backbone of Colt’s law enforcement offerings from the interwar period through the early Cold War era. Adopted widely by municipal, state, and federal agencies, the Official Police earned a reputation for durability, smooth action, and practical accuracy. By 1949, when this revolver was manufactured, the model was firmly established as a trusted duty sidearm during a period when revolvers remained the dominant law enforcement handgun in the United States.
Condition remains honest and consistent with service use, retaining a substantial portion of its original finish with visible operational wear that aligns with its law enforcement history. The bore remains bright with well-defined rifling, and the action exhibits the smooth double action and crisp single action pull for which Colt service revolvers are respected. The inclusion of a leather holster attributed to Bardsley and the Colt factory letter significantly enhances the historical value of this revolver, placing it squarely within the collecting realm of documented federal law enforcement firearms. This is a compelling opportunity to acquire a Colt Official Police with credible FBI provenance supported by factory documentation. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and best of luck with your bids!!!-
BF
