Make: Colt

Model: Official Police

Serial Number: 734155

Year of Manufacture: 1947

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a serrated, ramped rear face fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch at the rear of the topstrap. The edges of the rear sight groove are serrated for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered plastic with Colt logos molded into the top. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some minor fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9+ out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The inscription on the backstrap is engraved through the finish. There are some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and small scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine condition.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Colt Army Special was introduced with the Army in mind, and quickly came to be noted for its accuracy, winning the National Revolver Match in 1911 and establishing a new range record at Camp Perry the same year. Unfortunately, Colt was never able to interest the Army in a medium framed revolver, and changed its name to the “Official Police” in 1928 after they found that the New York Police Department, among others, were willing to adopt the revolver.

This Official Police was produced in 1947 and shows signs of infrequent and responsible use over the last 78 years. The backstrap is inscribed "Capt. James J. Horvath, USAMC", apparently having belonged to an officer in the US Army Medical Corps, Assistant Dean at the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, MI and orthopedic surgeon. This is a good example of quality Colt craftsmanship and should make a fine shooter to this very day. With its high condition and original box, it will also be a wonderful addition to a collection of Colt revolvers, especially for anyone in Detroit or central Vermont who remembers Captain Horvath. Please see our photos and good luck!