Make: Colt

Model: Police Positive Special

Serial Number: 281213

Year of Manufacture: 1923

Caliber: .32-20 Winchester Center Fire (WCF)

Action Type: Double Action SA/DA Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade integral to a rectangular base fixed to the barrel above the muzzle. The rear sight is a "U"-notch integral to the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece stag panels. The grips show little in the way of handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. The rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is scattered light erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6-7 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout. There are some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches, mostly not through the finish. There is a little bit of finish loss around the edges of the cylinder flutes. The action shows light operational wear including a thin turn-line. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-plus condition.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Police Positive 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 that 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 and other cartridges and a slightly longer frame to hold it. It is interesting that Colt 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 Police Positive Special was made in 1923. It has a 4” barrel and is chambered in .32-20 WCF. This cartridge was still popular in the early 20th century with contemporary lever action rifles and even some bolt action offerings from Savage. The revolver is in Very Good-plus overall condition, having some pitting in the bore but retaining much of its desirable nickel finish and strong mechanics. The revolver has been equipped with an attractive set of stag grip panel. All of the vintage Colts are collectible, and this one should no exception. Good luck in your bidding!