Make: Colt

Model: Official Police

Serial Number: 569807

Year of Manufacture: 1931

Caliber: .38 Colt Special

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

Barrel Length: 6"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the topstrap. The topstrap is serrated for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration and Condition: Stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with silver-colored Colt medallions. The left panel shows light handling wear with more notable handling wear on the right panel. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a couple more notable dings at the bottom-front of the right panel. The left panel's checkering is well defined, the right panel has a smoothed patch below the medallion. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent very minor erosion and a little stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8+/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 60% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is finish wear along each side of the barrel and handling wear in the grip areas. There is light finish wear around the outside of the cylinder, primarily behind the flutes. There is some finish wear and oxidation on the trigger guard and on the right of the frame between the cylinder and grip. There is more notable oxidation on the frame under the grips, mostly concealed when assembled. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver, though we imagine doing so is a true pleasure. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: A "successor" to the Army Special, the Official Police varied only in minor ways, such as the name and markings (the Official Police even retained the serial numbering of the Army revolver). Colt saw the majority of their "Army" revolvers going to police departments, and simply focused their marketing efforts on the buyer that was buying. A few other minor changes that are worth mentioning are the rear sight going from a u-notch configuration to a square-notch, and the topstrap being dulled for glare reduction. In something of an understatement, Colt referred to the Official Police in advertisements as "most acceptable". Indeed.

This example is from early in proper Official Police production, a handsome firearm that, thanks to timeless design choices, is as pleasing to the eye now as it was in 1931. It shows wear consistent with its age and intended use, retaining the majority of its original finish, a good bore and strong mechanics. Though nearly half a million were made, this example is still "most acceptable" and should make for a good shooter or addition to a Colt revolver collection. Good luck, and happy bidding!