Make: Colt

Model: Officer's Model Target

Serial Number: 516999

Year of Manufacture: 1925

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: Single Action/Double Action with Swing Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 4"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a patridge blade adjustable for elevation in a base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a flat topped square-notched target sight that is adjustable for windage, mounted to the rear of the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with silver-colored Colt medallions. The left panel is flat on the interior, the right panel is slightly recessed, and the medallions are two different styles. Despite this, the grips show fairly even handling wear with a few nicks and scratches. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as at least partially not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some minor erosion in the bore, mostly at the muzzle-end. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7+/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 70% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is finish wear at the muzzle-end on each side of the barrel. There is handling wear in the grip areas, mostly gone to a light patina. There is scattered wear on the cylinder. There is scattered minor surface oxidation. There are some light nicks and scratches. 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. The inscription "Capt. Michael A. Wall / P.D. N.Y." is cut through the finish on the right of the frame. Overall, this revolver is in about Very 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: This revolver comes with a Colt Archives letter and correspondence with the City of New York Police Department regarding Michael A. Wall. The Colt letter confirms this revolver was produced as an Officer's Model Target, 4", .38 caliber, blued, and shipped June 17, 1925 to the John Jovino Company in New York, NY as the only gun of its type in the shipment.

Our Assessment: The first issue Colt Officer’s Model Target revolvers were made from 1904-1927 and were serialized with the Army Special model. 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, Colts were the target revolver of choice and it’s easy to see why.

The lockup on this 100 year old revolver is outstanding, the sight picture is fantastic and the craftsmanship is something not seen in standard commercial offerings today. The revolver has been inscribed with the name Michael A. Wall of the New York Police Department. Included correspondence with NYPD confirms that Wall was appointed as a Patrolman in 1903 and retired as a Deputy Inspector in 1946. It also comes with a Colt Archives letter which confirms its scarce 4" barrel is how the revolver was produced. This uncommon variation with its documented history will make it a wonderful addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!