1922 Colt Police Positive .32 Police/S&W Double Action Revolver
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 early Police Positive Special was made in 1922. It has a well preserved blued finish and a 4" barrel and chambered in .38 Special. It comes equipped with nice black checkered grips. The revolver is in Superb condition with about 96% of its original finish remaining, it has a bright bore and strong mechanics. This vintage Colt is exceedingly well made, it is impressive for a 100+ year old revolver. All vintage Colts are collectible, and this one will certainly be no exception. This well maintained Police Positive is a must have for any Colt or revolver collection. Please see our photos, good luck and happy bidding! Robert
Make: Colt
Model: Police Positive
Serial Number: 185235
Year of Manufacture: 1922
Caliber: .32 Police (.32 S&W Long)
Action Type: Double Action SA/DA Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Barrel Length: 4"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade that is integral to a raised base. The rear sight is a U notch grooved into the top strap.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered polymer with smooth borders. The checkering is strong, there is some wear near the edges and bottom of grip panels. These grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There are freckles of light erosion and some fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates a 8.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. Showing some minor contact wear at the muzzle, front half of the barrel and other leading edges. There are a few light nicks and minor handling marks. There are a few tiny spots of oxidation in the right side of the frame. The screw heads are sharp. Most markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions Correctly. The cylinder locks with a little play on each chamber. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA DEALER Transferable: YES, CA PPT: YES.
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