1920 Colt Police Positive Special .38 Special 4" 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 1920. It has been refinished with a 4" barrel and chambered in .38 Special. It has replacement resin checkered grips that are well preserved. The revolver is in pretty good shape with about 90% of its new finish remaining, a decent 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 Police Positive will make a fine shooter or backup gun. Please see our photos, good luck and happy bidding! Robert
Make: Colt
Model: Police Positive Special
Serial Number: 199675
Year of Manufacture: 1920
Caliber: .38 Special
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 reproduction grips are two-piece checkered resin with smooth borders. The checkering is strong, there are light handling marks and edge wear. These grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright with well defined rifling. There is light oxidation and erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates a 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. Some of the markings are rounded. There are some scattered areas of pitting, oxidation, and marks in the metal under the finish. There are some areas of mottled discoloration. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are some areas of oxidation. The screw heads are sharp. Most markings are legible. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition, as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions Correctly. The cylinder locks with a lot of 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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