COLT Police Positive .38 Special DA/SA Double Action Revolver, MFD 1934 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1255

LSB#: 211016KS02

Make: Colt

Model: Police Positive

Serial Number: 429268

Year of Manufacture: 1934

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: Single Action/Double Action with Swing Out Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “POLICE / POSITIVE” and “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. JULY 4.1905. OCT. 5. 1926”. The crane and crane cut are both stamped with the serial number, “429268”, and the left side sideplate is marked with a rampant colt. “4” and “VP” in a triangle are on the left side trigger guard bows.

Barrel Length: 4”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is square notch integral to the top strap. The edges of the rear sight groove are serrated for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two piece checkered walnut panels with Colt medallions at the top. There is a small repaired chip at the bottom of the right panel. Otherwise, there is only light handling wear. The checkering is sharp. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good-plus condition and would rate higher if not for the repaired chip.

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 95% of its metal finish. There is a bit of thinning/holster wear on either side of the crown. The back strap has scattered light scratches. The cylinder shows light thinning at the leading edges and has a distinct turnline. The screw heads are sharp. All markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder has no play when the trigger is depressed. The double action trigger is a little heavy. The single action trigger is light and crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This revolver comes in an original Colt factory box. The serial number hand-written on the bottom of the box appears to match the revolver, but it is worn and incomplete. The box shows finish wear along the edges and scattered light scratches and spots of slightly darker discoloration.

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 on the town. 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. The Colt Police Positive Special was basically the same revolver as the Police Positive, except it had a longer cylinder for the .38 Special cartridge, and a slightly longer frame to hold it. It is interesting that they could afford to make both versions at the same time, and that they could find a market for both, but this finally changed after WWII with everyone wanting the more potent cartridge, and the Police Positive was dropped about the same time as the 3rd Issue Police Positive Special came out. This Police Positive Special was made in 1934. It is blued with a 4” barrel and chambered in .38 Special. The revolver is in about Fine overall condition with about 95% of its original finish remaining. The bore is bright with sharp rifling. The cylinder lockup is as good as it was when it came out of the factory. This vintage revolver is extremely well made, and would have had to be, being in this nice of a mechanical condition after so many years. It also comes with an original Colt factory box. All of the vintage Colts are collectable, and this one isn’t going to be an exception. If it gets past the collectors, this revolver should make for a fun shooter, and is especially good for those with small hands. Good luck and happy bidding!