Colt Officers Model .38 Spl. 7 1/2″ Double/Single Action Revolver 1926 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,001.11
LSB#: LSB260602CL093
Make: Colt
Model: Officers Model 38
Serial Number: 529670
Year of Manufacture: 1926 / C&R (Colt Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .38 Spl.
Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT OFFICERS MODEL 38”. The top 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”. The left side of the frame is marked with a Rampant Colt. The crane and crane cut are marked with the serial number. The interior of the grip panels are marked with “670”.
Barrel Length: 7.5″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is an undercut beaded blade pinned to a base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable square notch target sight dovetailed to the topstrap. The topstrap has a matte finish for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels with silver Colt medallions at the top. There are scattered handling scratches and compression marks throughout. The right grip panel has minor material loss from wear. The checkering is defined, with rounded peaks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light copper fouling present. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 93% of its metal finish. There are scattered scratches and a few minor compression dings. There is finish loss at the muzzle and the leading edges of the frame and cylinder. The grip straps, trigger guard, and barrel have thinning. There are turn lines on the cylinder. There are spots of oxidation freckling scattered throughout. The backstrap has fine checkering and remains defined. The screw heads have minor tool marks with strong slots. There is operational wear on the action and the ejector rod. The pins are unmarred. Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is tight with no play at each chamber. We did not fire this revolver, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Colt Officers Model was one of the company’s premier target revolvers of the early 20th century, developed for precision shooting and formal competition. Built on Colt’s medium frame, it combined finely fitted double-action lockwork with adjustable target sights, a hand ejector, and carefully finished walnut stocks. Chambered in .38 Special, the Officers Model became especially popular with competitive marksmen and law-enforcement shooters who wanted a refined revolver capable of excellent accuracy. The long 7 1/2″ barrel on this 1926 example gives it an especially distinctive target configuration and provides an extended sight radius compared with the more commonly encountered shorter-barreled variants.
This Officers Model retains approximately 93% of its original blue finish, with scattered scratches, compression marks, muzzle and edge wear, thinning on the barrel, grip straps, and trigger guard, scattered oxidation freckling, cylinder turn lines, and expected operational wear on the action and ejector rod. The checkered walnut grips remain in Very Good condition despite handling wear and minor material loss on the right panel, while the bright 9/10 bore has sharp rifling, light copper fouling, and no visible erosion. The action functions correctly with tight lockup and no perceptible play at each chamber. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY