Colt Detective Special .38 Colt 2” Revolver 1931 Letter L/E Provenance C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,525.99
LSB#: WY250118SB007
Make: Colt
Model: Detective Special
Serial Number: 398844
Year of Manufacture: 1931 (Curio & Relic Eligible)
Caliber: .38 Colt
Action Type: Double Action / Single Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. USA / Patd AUG 5, 1884 JULY 4, 1905 OCT 5, 1926.” The barrel flat is marked “2.” The crane and crane cut are marked with the serial number “398844.”
Barrel Length: 2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed half-moon blade. The rear sight is a notch integral to the top strap.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered wood with silver Colt medallions. The checkering remains well-defined, and while they show minor handling wear, they rate in very good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright, and the rifling is sharp. There is light oxidation throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 85%+ of its original blued finish. There is light edge wear, mild spotting, surface scratches, and general handling marks. The butt has been filed down to remove markings, with cold blue applied over this area. The screw heads are sharp, the pins are clean, and the markings are crisp. Overall, this revolver rates in fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a factory letter confirming the serial number, caliber, barrel length, finish, and the June 1, 1931 shipment date to “H. Clay Ferris” in Greene County, New York, as a one-gun shipment.
Historical Provenance: According to the provided information, Henry Clay Ferris served as Under-Sheriff in Greene County, New York, where he played a crucial role in efforts to curb organized crime and bootlegging. The letter further states that Ferris assisted in the apprehension of notorious gangster Jack “Legs” Diamond, as well as in the investigation of Diamond’s April 1931 murder in Albany, New York.
Our Assessment: The Colt Detective Special is one of the most iconic snub-nose revolvers in American history, favored by law enforcement officers for its concealability and firepower. This particular revolver stands out not only as a fine example of pre-war Colt craftsmanship but also for its documented law enforcement history.
The included Colt factory letter verifies its direct connection to Henry Clay Ferris, a key figure in the fight against organized crime during the Prohibition era. His role in apprehending Jack “Legs” Diamond, one of the most infamous gangsters of the time, makes this revolver historically significant.
With 85%+ of its original blue finish, sharp bore, and solid mechanics, this revolver remains in fine condition despite its age and use. The historical significance, combined with its direct provenance to a lawman involved in high-profile criminal investigations, makes this an invaluable piece for collectors of law enforcement and gangster-era firearms. Whether as an addition to a serious collection or as a conversation piece, this revolver is a remarkable artifact of American crime history. So bid high and bid firm. Please take a look at the condition in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
