Make: Colt

Model: Official Police

Serial Number: 570846

Year of Manufacture: 1931

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: DA/SA Double Action and Single Action 6-Shot Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 5"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a round blade integral to a base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the top strap. The sides of the topstrap are serrated to reduce glare.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece foliate-decorated metal panels with wood backing. The dark tarnish on the metal indicates some silver content. The grips have some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

Also included is a pair of checkered black hard rubber panels with "COLT" in oval at their tops. The interior of each grip has "433" hand-scribed, indicating they are also not original to the gun. These grips have light handling wear. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable marks on the bottom. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some light erosion and scattered stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 7+/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 60% of its metal finish. There is thinning at all edges. There is scattered finish wear, most notable in the grip areas. Most worn areas show light oxidation and there is some other scattered more minor oxidation. There is scattered minor erosion under the finish. There are scattered light nicks and scratches, some under the finish. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: Includes additional grips described above.

Our Assessment: The Colt Official Police is a quintessential mid-20th century service revolver, widely adopted by law enforcement agencies for its balance of size, durability, and reliable performance. Chambered in .38 Special, this 1931 example carries the practical cartridge legacy that made it a standard-issue sidearm and a perennial favorite with collectors and shooters who prize period-correct service pieces. This example looks to have seen some use, sporting a new blued finish and custom metal grips. It retains a decent bore and quite good mechanics, so it should still prove to be a fun shooter for the lucky winner. Please see our photos and good luck!