Colt Police Positive .38 Special 4″ Revolver 1922 C&R & Box & Letter
SOLD FOR: $1,250.00
LSB#: WY250401RK002
Make: Colt
Model: Police Positive
Serial Number: 256752
Year of Manufacture: July 7, 1922 (C&R Eligible)
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Double Action / Single Action Revolver, Swing-Out 6-Shot Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT POLICE POSITIVE .38 SPECIAL.” 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 bears the rampant Colt logo. The crane and frame are both marked with the matching serial number “256752.” The factory letter confirms shipment and specifications.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed half-round blade. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered hard rubber panels with “COLT” in an oval at the top. The checkering is sharp and well defined. There are no cracks or chips. The grips rate in Excellent overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: N/A – This is a revolver.
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. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its original metal finish. There are faint cylinder drag lines. The screw heads are sharp. The pins are clean. The markings are crisp and legible. 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. The timing is excellent. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is the original factory Colt box with matching serial number and a Colt Archive Letter verifying the date of shipment and configuration.
Our Assessment: This Colt Police Positive chambered in .38 Special is a prime example of early 20th-century American law enforcement sidearms. Shipped in 1922, this revolver represents the interwar period where Colt’s reputation for precision and durability was second to none. Its 4″ barrel and robust swing-out cylinder made it a favorite for police officers and security professionals across the country.
What makes this piece particularly compelling is its outstanding condition and completeness—it comes with a factory letter confirming the original configuration and a matching numbered factory box. These elements are often missing from revolvers of this vintage, making this an especially rare find for serious collectors.
Whether you’re a Colt enthusiast, a collector of early American service revolvers, or simply someone who appreciates exceptionally preserved examples of classic craftsmanship, this Police Positive would be a treasured addition to any collection. Please see our High Quality photos and good luck on your bids.-C.M.
