Colt Police Positive 1st Series .38 New Police/S&W Revolver, MFD 1933 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1188
LSB#: 210205MS28
Make: Colt
Model: Police Positive
Serial Number: 363651
Year of Manufacture: 1933 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 Colt New Police, .38 S&W (NOT .38 Special)
Action Type: 6-Shot, Single Action/Double Action, Swing Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT”, “POLICE / POSITIVE” and “.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. OCT.5.1926.”. The sideplate is marked with a rampant colt. The left of the trigger guard at the front is marked “VP” in triangle and at the rear with “4”. The crane cut is marked “L” twice, “N” and “363651”, the crane is marked “363651”.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the topstrap. The topstrap is serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with silver-colored Colt medallions. The grips have minor handling wear, verdigris around the screw escutcheons and a few scattered light marks. The checkering is well defined, generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a few tiny spots of minor surface oxidation, most in the backstrap. The action shows minor operational wear with a faint turn-line, mostly not through the finish. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lock-up is SOLID on all 6 chambers when the trigger is depressed. The trigger pull is crisp in single action and smooth in double action. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a one-piece hinged-lid with model-matching label, the serial number hand-written on the bottom in pencil, Colt branded cleaning instructions, and a nylon-bristle bore brush. The box has scattered storage wear, most notable at edges and corners, a tear at the left edge of the hinge and a puncture in the lid, in about Good condition.
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 greatly reducing reloading time and smaller frame, 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. This example was made in 1933 and looks to have spent more time in its included original box than out. The box has done a great job of preserving the revolver over the last 87 years, keeping the revolver in Fine-Excellent condition with about 98% of its metal finish, a great bore, strong mechanics and minor wear in its stocks. This high-condition Police Positive with its box will make a great addition to a Colt revolver collection. Please see our photos and good luck!