Make: Colt
Model: Officers Model Target
Serial Number: 359569
Year of Manufacture: 1913
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Single/Double Action Swing-Out Cylinder Revolver
Barrel Length: 7 1/2"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel, adjustable for elevation. The rear sight is a "U"-notch dovetailed to the topstrap, adjustable for windage.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with Colt medallions at their tops and smooth diamonds around the screw escutcheons. The grips have even light-moderate handling wear. There are some areas of finish wear, mostly on the rear edges, and some spots of pooled finish. The wood shows some discoloration from age and handling. There are some light nicks and small scratches. The left panel has a series of notches at the bottom edge toward the rear which appear intentionally applied. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Also included is a set of pearl stocks with Colt medallions at their tops. The pearl stocks have some scattered cracking and small losses. There is some scattered discoloration from age and handling. Overall, the pearl stocks are in Fair-Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Most remaining finish is Original, some worn areas show treatment with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some scattered light erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7-8/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 30% of its metal finish. The right of the frame in front of the cylinder has had a small hole drilled and tapped for a set-screw to tension the crane. Finish remains mostly in protected areas and around raised features. The grip areas are worn to white. There is finish wear on the barrel showing treatment with cold blue that has mostly muted. Some worn areas have gone to a light patina and there are some spots of light oxidation. The barrel has a patch of surface erosion on the right side and there is a smaller patch on the topstrap at the right-front. There are some light nicks and scratches, most notable in the frontstrap. There is a small patch of wear on the bottom of the barrel above the ejector head. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are still clear. Overall, this revolver is in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a Colt Archives letter and the additional pearl stocks. The letter indicates that this revolver was produced in its current configuration, including engraving and extra pearl stocks. The revolver shipped September 27, 1913 to a George Tonkin as the only gun of its type in the shipment.
Our Assessment: The Officers Model was Colt's premium revolver until the introduction of the super-premium Python in 1955. Back when revolvers were the target gun of choice, Colt models were the target revolver of choice. This example has all the features of the Officers Model Target, but was also ordered with factory engraving and an extra pair of pearl stocks. These features make for a wonderful find for Colt collectors, enhanced by being a single gun shipment delivered to an individual rather than a retailer. This should still make for a fun shooter to this day, but would be a great addition to a Colt or vintage target revolver collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
