Make: Colt

Model: Official Police

Serial Number: 651726

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 5”

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT OFFICIAL POLICE .38”. 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 cut and crane are marked with matching serial numbers. The butt is roll-marked “A.L.P.D.”, indicating issue to the Albany, Atlanta, or another municipal police department using the same initials.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed serrated blade integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch milled into the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The revolver is fitted with aftermarket smooth synthetic grips with Cold medallions. The grips show light handling wear but no chips or cracks. Fit to the frame is tight. The grips are in Very Good overall condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is heavy fouling but no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: The revolver retains about 75% of its original finish. High leading edges are muted and the muzzle shows significant finish loss. There is holster wear on the cylinder and frame flats, with additional light thinning along the ejector rod housing. The underlying metal shows no pitting or corrosion. Overall, this revolver is in Very God condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly in both single and double action. Cylinder lockup is tight with minimal play and the timing is correct. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Accessories: Included is a black leather “Buckheimer BPM.12” police duty holster. The holster shows moderate signs of age and use, with scuffs and pliable leather, but remains structurally sound and serviceable.

Our Assessment: This 1940 Colt Official Police is a classic example of Colt’s commitment to precision machining and durable design during the interwar years. The revolver’s 5" barrel and solid lockup made it a favored sidearm among American law enforcement, and the “A.L.P.D.” roll-mark on the butt testifies to its time in service. These departmental markings add both historical weight and character to the piece.

The factory-blued finish, while showing expected wear from holster duty, still retains the deep Colt polish on protected surfaces. The addition of synthetic grips gives the revolver a striking aesthetic, complementing its utilitarian past with a custom touch. The bore remains in excellent condition, making this example not only a fine collectible but also a shootable piece of .38 Special history.

Whether you’re a Colt enthusiast, a collector of law enforcement-marked sidearms, or simply someone who appreciates the refined mechanical charm of mid-century revolvers, this Official Police deserves serious consideration. With its provenance, condition, and added period-correct duty rig, this is a revolver that tells a story with every click of the cylinder.