1939 Colt Official Police.
- Thread starter Stoney
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Keeterbird
Member
doggone you, I drolled all over my Keyboard. I have a 58 edition that I love. Yours looks just great
Cosmoline
Member
I'm cynical, but that one almost looks *too* nice. There's not even a score mark along the cylinder! Are you sure it's not a reblue? I can't see the usual deep mirror of Colt's vintage bluing, but it might just be the angle of the photos.
Cosmoline
It's no reblue, The cylinder ejector shows no sign of reblue. My photographs lighten up the blueing on the revolver, it's darker then the photo. If you look at the first photo you can see a very faint turn line.Somehow this one never got used much and I got very lucky finding it.
Saxon. I have other pre war OP in lesser condition so no problem with not shooting this one.
It's no reblue, The cylinder ejector shows no sign of reblue. My photographs lighten up the blueing on the revolver, it's darker then the photo. If you look at the first photo you can see a very faint turn line.Somehow this one never got used much and I got very lucky finding it.
Saxon. I have other pre war OP in lesser condition so no problem with not shooting this one.
bannockburn
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Stoney
What's the 99% missing? It looks absolutely perfect from your pix. Nice aquisition for your collection.
What's the 99% missing? It looks absolutely perfect from your pix. Nice aquisition for your collection.
Cosmoline
Member
I think the white background is washing it out in the photos. Absolutely amazing, I'd say it's 100%.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Congrat's Stoney
that old Colt looks really nice~! with some great pics, I might add.
that old Colt looks really nice~! with some great pics, I might add.
mnw42
Member
Sweet
From the Old Fuff, a different perspective.
Vintage firearms (read that to mean pre-World War Two) and some later classic examples in perfect or nearly so, condition should be preserved. They are scarce or rare examples of craftsmanship that in this age of CNC machining, metal injected molding, polymer, and punch press stampings are unlikely to seen again. For those that enjoy shooing these older guns, and include the Old Fuff as being one of them, there are enough less then absolutely perfect guns available to fill the needs of shooters.
The finish on the revolver that is the subject of this thread was blued using a unique Colt process called “gas oven blue.” Shortly after this gun was made the specialized ovens that were used were torn out and replaced with tanks designed to Parkerize military production. Since the ovens were not replaced the finish cannot be duplicated. (Some claim they can, but they don’t). The Official Police was literally hand built and hand fitted to a degree that current manufacturing economics makes prohibitively expensive, and like the finish will not be found in today’s guns.
So since they cannot (or will not) be duplicated at the present time, and most likely in the future, those relatively few examples in like-new condition should be preserved as they are. If for no other reason they represent a quality and elegance that will not likely be seen again.
I'm an art historian by trade. I get the the whole museum piece; historical artifact; work of art concept.
But they're guns. Tools meant to be used. I have to use them. I have had a number of old and valuable guns come into my possession in unfired condition. They did not remain in that state for long. I shoot all of my guns.
I realize there are lots of folks who want to own pristine guns and not shoot them.
I am not one of them.
To me that's like having a 1970 Hemi Challenger and not driving it. Or a fully restored P51 Mustang and not flying it. Or dating Christy Brinkley and not... well, you get the idea.
But they're guns. Tools meant to be used. I have to use them. I have had a number of old and valuable guns come into my possession in unfired condition. They did not remain in that state for long. I shoot all of my guns.
I realize there are lots of folks who want to own pristine guns and not shoot them.
I am not one of them.
To me that's like having a 1970 Hemi Challenger and not driving it. Or a fully restored P51 Mustang and not flying it. Or dating Christy Brinkley and not... well, you get the idea.
Guillermo
member
While I understand the "it's a gun, shoot it!" mentality I have to agree with Old Fuff. The few perfect examples are too rare while the plethura of banged up, refinished and modified older guns fill the need for us to send lead downrange.
There is also the investment aspect. I have a 99% Python that I rarely shoot because one day I will be able to trade it for 3 nice revolvers. If I use it too much it will "cost me a gun".
There is also the investment aspect. I have a 99% Python that I rarely shoot because one day I will be able to trade it for 3 nice revolvers. If I use it too much it will "cost me a gun".
Mossyrock
Member
Well, at least I know where it went after I got outbid....
I'm with Old Fuff on this one, this revolver is too nice to shoot. I have 4 other Official Police Models in lesser condition to shoot ,so why not keep this one in it's current condition.I like the old stuff, and some day I will pass this on to someone who may think different, but as long as she's mine, she stays as is.
Bannockburn. The 99% is conservative.
Mossyrock, I would have gone higher, and was very suprised when it did not go for a higher bid.
Bannockburn. The 99% is conservative.
Mossyrock, I would have gone higher, and was very suprised when it did not go for a higher bid.
Mossyrock
Member
Well, I knew how much I was willing to bid, and fully expected to get outbid. I also fully expected for it to go for a BUNCH more than it did. You got a great deal on this fine piece. It is probably better that you did get it...I would have shot the snot out of it!! 
My record stands.
Nobody EVER agrees with me.
I'm not really buying guns any longer but I hope that I get the chance to put a couple more neglected and unused guns to work before I'm gone.
This notion of things being too valuable to use is one I'm very familiar with. You see it all the time with some museum putting a spoon on display in a place of honor solely because it's old. So it's old. To the person who made it and used it it was a spoon. We now decide it's valuable. It's no longer a spoon, now it's an investment.
It's a gun. It was made to be used. Lock it away if you please, it's your spoon... er, I mean gun.
BTW- Which future generations are you saving your guns for? Would it be the same people who join this forum for the sole purpose of asking how much dad/granddad's gun is worth so they can sell it?
When I die, my widow will convert all of my guns into cash. I have selected a few to be presented to specific individuals but I do this knowing most if not all will be sold forthwith.
Nobody EVER agrees with me.
I'm not really buying guns any longer but I hope that I get the chance to put a couple more neglected and unused guns to work before I'm gone.
This notion of things being too valuable to use is one I'm very familiar with. You see it all the time with some museum putting a spoon on display in a place of honor solely because it's old. So it's old. To the person who made it and used it it was a spoon. We now decide it's valuable. It's no longer a spoon, now it's an investment.
It's a gun. It was made to be used. Lock it away if you please, it's your spoon... er, I mean gun.
BTW- Which future generations are you saving your guns for? Would it be the same people who join this forum for the sole purpose of asking how much dad/granddad's gun is worth so they can sell it?
When I die, my widow will convert all of my guns into cash. I have selected a few to be presented to specific individuals but I do this knowing most if not all will be sold forthwith.
Saxon Pig...
But it's so much fun to pick on you ......
I dispute this idea that ALL Guns are made to be shot. Last I knew Colt's current line of Single Action Army revolvers come with an instruction book the recommends in bold face type; DO NOT SHOOT THIS GUN! They go on to explain that it's intended to be a collectable, and shooting it will sharply reduce its value.
Of course there are some buyers that can't read...
Then there are the endless commemorative guns from many manufacturers that are obviously not intended to be fired, and some collectors prefer that the box hasn't even been opened.
I could go on, but I'm sure you get the point.
But it's so much fun to pick on you ......
I dispute this idea that ALL Guns are made to be shot. Last I knew Colt's current line of Single Action Army revolvers come with an instruction book the recommends in bold face type; DO NOT SHOOT THIS GUN! They go on to explain that it's intended to be a collectable, and shooting it will sharply reduce its value.
Of course there are some buyers that can't read...
Then there are the endless commemorative guns from many manufacturers that are obviously not intended to be fired, and some collectors prefer that the box hasn't even been opened.
I could go on, but I'm sure you get the point.
bannockburn
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
- Messages
- 26,320
Saxon Pig
I'm sorry if I break your record, but part of me would have to agree with you. You see, years ago I had Combat Commander that was part of a limited run from Colt's Custom Shop. This gun was beautiful, by far the nicest gun I had ever owned; the problem was I didn't want to shoot it. I kept coming up with reasons not to take it to the range; I didn't even want to rack the slide or dry fire it. This created a rather unusual conflict within me, as I've always felt that a gun was a tool, designed to be used, and not put away in a vault or a glass display case.
I had to do something, so I came up with an equally unusual solution; I sold it to friend of mine, knowing full well that he would be more than willing to send any number of rounds downrange with it. But I also did something else to make my plan work; I got him to agree to my right of first refusal if he ever decided to sell it.
Some years pass, and I find out that the gun is not only still beautiful, but can actually hold its own in the accuracy department against a Gold Cup. So now I have to find a way to get "my" gun back. When the new Officers Model came out, I knew I had my trade material, and with another gun thrown into the deal, I was able to get my Combat Commander back.
So for me I guess the lesson I learned was that there probably shouldn't be any special editions, limited run comemoratives, or NIB or LNIB collectors grade guns on my wish list any more. That way I won't have to worry about any inner conflict regarding whether I should shoot/don't shoot; and there will be more of those type of guns for people who just want to sit back and admire them like pieces of fine art.
I'm sorry if I break your record, but part of me would have to agree with you. You see, years ago I had Combat Commander that was part of a limited run from Colt's Custom Shop. This gun was beautiful, by far the nicest gun I had ever owned; the problem was I didn't want to shoot it. I kept coming up with reasons not to take it to the range; I didn't even want to rack the slide or dry fire it. This created a rather unusual conflict within me, as I've always felt that a gun was a tool, designed to be used, and not put away in a vault or a glass display case.
I had to do something, so I came up with an equally unusual solution; I sold it to friend of mine, knowing full well that he would be more than willing to send any number of rounds downrange with it. But I also did something else to make my plan work; I got him to agree to my right of first refusal if he ever decided to sell it.
Some years pass, and I find out that the gun is not only still beautiful, but can actually hold its own in the accuracy department against a Gold Cup. So now I have to find a way to get "my" gun back. When the new Officers Model came out, I knew I had my trade material, and with another gun thrown into the deal, I was able to get my Combat Commander back.
So for me I guess the lesson I learned was that there probably shouldn't be any special editions, limited run comemoratives, or NIB or LNIB collectors grade guns on my wish list any more. That way I won't have to worry about any inner conflict regarding whether I should shoot/don't shoot; and there will be more of those type of guns for people who just want to sit back and admire them like pieces of fine art.
thebaldguy
Member
Nice revolver! I usually would shoot it, but in this case, I understand why you won't. You can find another handgun for daily use.
I can't fault bannockburn or others who believe that "anything I buy will get shot," and purchase high quality (more or less) guns that are currently in production - or recently were. Nor do I get emotionally upset over shooting older arms that in less the 95% condition. The bone of contention here is that relatively small number of classic or older guns in absolute pristine condition. I define “older” to mean pre-1940, and “classic” to mean a later high quality arm that was only made in limited numbers, or in some cases only limited numbers survived in perfect condition.
Hopefully those that disagree with me will be satisfied to buy less-then-perfect to use for shooters. There is no good reason to reduce one such as was illustrated in this thread to something lesser, just simply to do it.
Hopefully those that disagree with me will be satisfied to buy less-then-perfect to use for shooters. There is no good reason to reduce one such as was illustrated in this thread to something lesser, just simply to do it.
Cocked & Locked
Member
Shooter Grade
Stoney,
My Colt Official Police dates to 1937. It is chambered for .22. Its nice, but nice nearly as nice as your 4" .38 Special.
So, I shoot it! Yours I would Not Shoot...nothing to gain.
Stoney,
My Colt Official Police dates to 1937. It is chambered for .22. Its nice, but nice nearly as nice as your 4" .38 Special.
So, I shoot it! Yours I would Not Shoot...nothing to gain.
Let me repeat so there are no misunderstandings. I fully respect the collector's right to keep any gun in pristine condition if that's what he enjoys. My position is that the idea of not using guns as intended doesn't appeal to me.
I guess I have ruined my share of guns. Want specific examples? OK.
Colt Officers Model Target 22 made in 1930, the first year they offered the .22 caliber version. I bought it 25 years ago and it was in about 98% condition. I slapped on the later stocks (I favor that 1950s style) and have fired countless rounds through it both plinking and in silhouette competition. Now it's maybe 90-95% (likely closer to 90) but I have had a Hell of a lot of fun and would do it all over again.
Back in the 1980s when I had an FFL I bought several surplus S&Ws from various distributors. One gun I bought was this 27-2 from the Florida Highway Patrol. Price was $215 and you didn't get to pick or even see the gun. They just sent what they had. What I got was a 100% unfired example. Must have been a detective's gun that was never actually carried or an extra one never issued. Would it be cool to have a 100% 5" nickel M27-2? I guess. But I had more fun shooting and carrying it. No regrets.
In 2003, on the 20th anniversary of a 1983 Model 24-3 that I had been holding in unfired condition for a few years, I took it to the range and put a box through it. Great fun!
There have been others.
You know what started this for me? In 1986 my home was burglarized and all of my guns were stolen, including a couple of very valuable pieces that I had never fired. Now I make it a point in most cases to shoot a gun as soon after buying it as possible.
Collectors are preserving things and things are just not that valuable. Anything that can be obtained with money isn't truly valuable. There is no guarantee at all that whomever winds up with your collection when you are gone will feel the same as you and why should he have the fun of shooting all those cool guns?
Sort of like the big RV with the bumper sticker about spending the kid's inheritance. Let the kids go their own guns.
I guess I have ruined my share of guns. Want specific examples? OK.
Colt Officers Model Target 22 made in 1930, the first year they offered the .22 caliber version. I bought it 25 years ago and it was in about 98% condition. I slapped on the later stocks (I favor that 1950s style) and have fired countless rounds through it both plinking and in silhouette competition. Now it's maybe 90-95% (likely closer to 90) but I have had a Hell of a lot of fun and would do it all over again.
Back in the 1980s when I had an FFL I bought several surplus S&Ws from various distributors. One gun I bought was this 27-2 from the Florida Highway Patrol. Price was $215 and you didn't get to pick or even see the gun. They just sent what they had. What I got was a 100% unfired example. Must have been a detective's gun that was never actually carried or an extra one never issued. Would it be cool to have a 100% 5" nickel M27-2? I guess. But I had more fun shooting and carrying it. No regrets.
In 2003, on the 20th anniversary of a 1983 Model 24-3 that I had been holding in unfired condition for a few years, I took it to the range and put a box through it. Great fun!
There have been others.
You know what started this for me? In 1986 my home was burglarized and all of my guns were stolen, including a couple of very valuable pieces that I had never fired. Now I make it a point in most cases to shoot a gun as soon after buying it as possible.
Collectors are preserving things and things are just not that valuable. Anything that can be obtained with money isn't truly valuable. There is no guarantee at all that whomever winds up with your collection when you are gone will feel the same as you and why should he have the fun of shooting all those cool guns?
Sort of like the big RV with the bumper sticker about spending the kid's inheritance. Let the kids go their own guns.
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