Colt HP?

[berettaprofessor]

In a local shop, just came across a revolver labeled a "Colt HP", 4" barrel chambered in 32. I can't find anything on this firearm but it looks like an early Police Positive. Anybody have any info, and what would be a decent price for one in good condition?

 

[Old Fuff]

It would help if you described the gun...

Was it a hand ejector? (Cylinder swings out to the side).

Square butt or round?

Black hard rubber stocks, or checkered walnut (maybe something else)?

Did it appear to be an older model, or something more recent? (Hint: older ones had a half-found "U" shaped rear sight and a thin blade at the front.

The is in the details...

 

[berettaprofessor]

Black rubber stocks, with Colt name at top, no medallion
As I recall, rounded butt
cylinder swing by looks, but I didn't handle it yet.
older model

 

[Jim Watson]

labeled a "Colt HP",

Is HP a marking on the gun or on a store tag? I know of no Colt marking of HP unless it be for something like Honolulu Police.

A Colt .32 with swing out cylinder could be a New Pocket, a New Police, a Pocket Postive, a Police Positive, a Police Positive Special, or even a Courier. The .32 could be a .32 Long Colt, .32 New Police (same as .32 S&W Long), or even a .32-20.

 

[MMCSRET]

Possibly a Spanish copy from the early 20th century. They had some odd markings that could be very deceiving.

 

[berettaprofessor]

The "HP" is unfortunately from a store tag. I'm going back to examine the markings on the gun and actually touch the gun...would have before but I was in a hurry and there was a line waiting ahead of me.

 

[Old Fuff]

I think that it's most likely that you saw a .32 New Police model, and the Tag should have read, "Colt NP." However the New Police had a square, not round butt. Otherwise your description fits.

I would expect the left side of the barrel would be stamped, "D.A. 32". These were made from 1897 to around 1908. Some are chambered in .32 Long Colt, and make interesting collectables but poor shooters because ammunition is usually difficult to find. Later production was chambered to use the .32 Colt New Police cartridge, which is identical to the .32 S&W Long, and that ammunition - as well as loading dies and components - are available. You can tell the difference by opening the cylinder and looking down a chamber. Those chambered in .32 L.C. have a chamber that's bored straight through, where those in .32 CNP (.32 S&W L.) have a step toward the front of the chamber, in the same manner as current day center-fire revolvers.

Remember, I am working with a minimal description, and therefore could easily be wrong. When you look at the gun again, be sure to look at it carefully and note even small details. A picture would be very helpful.

The serial number is located on the frame behind the crane (swing out the cylinder to see it); and you can date the year of production by going to: www.proofhouse.com

 

[berettaprofessor]

Thanks Old Fuff. Went back to see the gun today...it was indeed stamped DA 32, and it was chambered in 32 Long Colt (at least I think so since a 32 S&W didn't fit into the cylinder and it was bored straight as you noted). Anyway, up close it was obviously reblued (but a nice job) and had a tight cylinder fit, but also had rust in the barrel so due to that and the difficulty in ammunition, I passed. But your info was spot on! Thanks again.