Year & Model?? Colt 38 Special

[Redlinetoys]

My Stepfather had this little Colt 38 Special as his “vacation & travel” protection for years. I recently inherited it, and it will remain a treasured keepsake for me, but I would very much like to learn exactly what it is, and hopefully the year of manufacture.

I have tried several lookup sites including the Colt “Serial Finder”, but none seem to have info that makes sense.

The serial appears to be 247058, and there is a stamping, “U.S.A. 4 1905 on the barrel. The barrel is 1 3/8” as it measure from the frame.

Any information that is available would be SO appreciated.

Bob

 

[drillsgt]

At first look it appeared to be an old Detective Special but the serial number is too low. It's likely an old Police Positive Special but the shortest barrels these had were 4 inch so it must have been cut down. You can tell it was cut by the cutoff patent dates on top of the barrel. The serial number would indicate a 1922 manufacture, the first DS's weren't made until 1927.

 

[Colt556]

I think drillsgt is on the right track. A cut down Police Positive. It’s odd the the “38 Special” is in the correct location though, maybe it was added after the cut down. Nice old Colt nonetheless.

 

[drillsgt]

I think drillsgt is on the right track. A cut down Police Positive. It’s odd the the “38 Special” is in the correct location though, maybe it was added after the cut down. Nice old Colt nonetheless.

That's the way many were, they were made close to the beginning of the barrel preceded by Police Positive which likely got filed off. After the word Special they had like a little subscript mark like a little '1' or something you can still see it on the OP's gun so it's likely original.

SOLD - Colt Police Positive Special - 1920

10/17/19 - This is an original Colt Police Positive Special revolver from 1920. It has a for inch barrel and is chambered for .38 special. The bluing rates at about 90%, with most of the finish loss on the cylinder and either side of the barrel. Minty bore. Excellent, original grips with no...

www.legacy-collectibles.com

 

[Redlinetoys]

I think drillsgt is on the right track. A cut down Police Positive. It’s odd the the “38 Special” is in the correct location though, maybe it was added after the cut down. Nice old Colt nonetheless.

Yes, I wondered the same on the barrel lettering. It looks like the Police Positive was more wordy on the barrel side.

I found the 1922 reference several places also, but didn’t initially believe it based on the longer barrel. Being cut down makes sense.

I was told this was purchased from a Middlesboro Kentucky police officer in the late 1950’s and was his carry gun. But I suspect there is a lot more to the story.

I really appreciate the responses. If anyone else has any thoughts, i

 

[Redlinetoys]

I think you guys have got it! So much appreciation.

Now, if only the stories were known, lol.
Here is another photo where I can now see the lettering is there.

Thank you all!

 

[STEEL CORE]

Pre 1970's as its ejector rod is still exposed, not shrouded.

 

[BugI02]

I think you guys have got it! So much appreciation.

Now, if only the stories were known, lol.
Here is another photo where I can now see the lettering is there.

Thank you all!

Any idea what duties the original owner of the gun performed for his department? Is it possible the gun was altered in that way for the specific deep concealment purposes that would eventually be formalized by Colt as the Detective Special. The need for that type of firearm likely preceded its development by Colt, the company meeting already existing demand

 

[Colt556]

I think you guys have got it! So much appreciation.

Now, if only the stories were known, lol.
Here is another photo where I can now see the lettering is there.

Thank you all!

Great! I love it when a plan comes together!!!

 

[Redlinetoys]

Any idea what duties the original owner of the gun performed for his department? Is it possible the gun was altered in that way for the specific deep concealment purposes that would eventually be formalized by Colt as the Detective Special. The need for that type of firearm likely preceded its development by Colt, the company meeting already existing demand

Interesting thoughts. I have no idea, though it makes sense.

 

[MCgrease08]

Definitely a cool gun. Thanks for sharing the pictures and thanks all for the collective INGO wisdom.

 

[Leadeye]

I have the same thing only chambered in 32-20, made in 1921, Police Positive Special. You don't see the short barrel often.