Help: Need a Colt Official Police .22 expert

[Montalban]

Hi,

I have just started getting into revolvers. This summer I picked up an old Colt Official Police in .22 rimfire. Heres is what I found on it;

Serial number is 456xx, what year would this make it?

6" barrel, stamped " Republica De Colombia, Policia National "

Under the grip its stamped " 61 > 141 " Any significance?

I think the grips are original. The blueing is pretty much gone. I was planning on rebluing it myself, since this seems to be a fairly common colt I dont think I'm harming any collectors value. I can post a pic if theres any interest.

Thanks in advance,
Monty

 

[Old Fuff]

The Official Police .22 Model was introduced in 1930 as a understudy/trainer for police departments that used the .38 Special version. No.45,6xx was made in 1961, and the revolver was discontinued in 1966 at serial number 47,016. The Columbian police markings (Republica De Colombia, Policia National) would add to the collector's value, but refinishing it would lessen it. Sometimes you can't win. The markings under the stocks on the side of the frame are inspector's marks of unknown purpose. It is a good, if somewhat heavy .22 revolver.

 

[Montalban]

... It is a good, if somewhat heavy .22 revolver.

I like the hefty feel ;-) You should try my buddies 12inch H&R , you feel like the Joker in the Batman series.

I'm still on the fence about reblueing it. But I do appreciate the quick and informative response.

Monty

 

[BluesBear]

It is NOT a "common model Colt".

If you are dead set on reblueing it give Colt a call and she how much they'd charge you. At least, that way, you'd have a factory refinish on it.

 

[TimboKhan]

Cripes Fuff, do you have the blue book memorized?

 

[Old Fuff]

TimboKhan:

No, but I am a firearms researcher/writer with over 50 years of experience.

This means that I'm just bright enough to go look up the answer - on a good day.

 

[TimboKhan]

haha, just giving you a hard time. I actually look your threads up from time to time to take advantage of that experience. Have you written anything that I might have seen or read, meaning mainstream types of things?