My grandpa just gave me this revolver and I was hoping someone could give me some info on this gun, its a .38 Army special with serial number 518598 could someone please give me a year on this gun and perhaps a market value. It also has T.P.D No. 344 stamped on bottom of handgrip. Thanks for your help
Help on Colt .38 Army Special
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Harry Paget Flashman
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From oldguns.net I got this:
"# 1533 - Colt Army Special Revolver
11/28/98
Michael, Tulsa, OK, USA
Maker Model Caliber Barrel Length Finish Serial Number
Colt Revolver Army Special PTF (??) 32/20 6 Inch Blue 467291
Mfg. Hartford Pat. aug. 5, 1884 june 5, 1900 july 4, 1905 I would like a little history and approx. value of the gun. It is in good condition, but don't know if it can be safely fired. thanks
Answer:
Michael- over 240,000 Colt Model 1908 Army Special's were manufactured from 1908 to 1927, my records indicate that your revolver was manufactured in 1922. The Army Special was the successor to the New Army and Navy, and incorporated a number of improvements including modernization of the shape of the frame, cylinder rotation was changed to clockwise and the cylinder was locked by a single peripheral recess for each chamber, engaging with a bolt at the rear of the cylinder, the cylinder latch was rounded off, and the hammer was given a pivoting firing pin. Colt dropped the 3 inch barrel length, and lengths were standardized at 4.5 and 6 inches. Calibers included .32, .38 Short and Long, .38 S & W Special, .38 Special and .41 Long. Blue book values for the Army Special range from $175 to about $500 depending on condition and markings. It has been my experience that these are slow movers unless they have special markings, and I usually consider myself lucky if I sell one for over $175. As with any firearm this old, I would advise you to have it checked by a competent gunsmith before you fire it. Marc"
My guess would be that the "T.P.D. No. 344" means it belonged to some police department before.
"# 1533 - Colt Army Special Revolver
11/28/98
Michael, Tulsa, OK, USA
Maker Model Caliber Barrel Length Finish Serial Number
Colt Revolver Army Special PTF (??) 32/20 6 Inch Blue 467291
Mfg. Hartford Pat. aug. 5, 1884 june 5, 1900 july 4, 1905 I would like a little history and approx. value of the gun. It is in good condition, but don't know if it can be safely fired. thanks
Answer:
Michael- over 240,000 Colt Model 1908 Army Special's were manufactured from 1908 to 1927, my records indicate that your revolver was manufactured in 1922. The Army Special was the successor to the New Army and Navy, and incorporated a number of improvements including modernization of the shape of the frame, cylinder rotation was changed to clockwise and the cylinder was locked by a single peripheral recess for each chamber, engaging with a bolt at the rear of the cylinder, the cylinder latch was rounded off, and the hammer was given a pivoting firing pin. Colt dropped the 3 inch barrel length, and lengths were standardized at 4.5 and 6 inches. Calibers included .32, .38 Short and Long, .38 S & W Special, .38 Special and .41 Long. Blue book values for the Army Special range from $175 to about $500 depending on condition and markings. It has been my experience that these are slow movers unless they have special markings, and I usually consider myself lucky if I sell one for over $175. As with any firearm this old, I would advise you to have it checked by a competent gunsmith before you fire it. Marc"
My guess would be that the "T.P.D. No. 344" means it belonged to some police department before.
Welcome to The High Road - where we aim to please... 
Your Colt Army Special was made in 1925. Two years later it was renamed the "Official Police" and under that name continued in production until 1977.
The value depends on its originality and condition. They are generally offered for sale between $200 to $600 (absolutely like brand new).
The "T.D.P. 344" stamp stands for “Tarrytown (N.Y.) Police Department,” and adds slightly to its value.
Edited to add: Guns made in 1925 - Serial number range 514,000 to 520,999.
Your Colt Army Special was made in 1925. Two years later it was renamed the "Official Police" and under that name continued in production until 1977.
The value depends on its originality and condition. They are generally offered for sale between $200 to $600 (absolutely like brand new).
The "T.D.P. 344" stamp stands for “Tarrytown (N.Y.) Police Department,” and adds slightly to its value.
Edited to add: Guns made in 1925 - Serial number range 514,000 to 520,999.
XavierBreath
Member
I'll add one note. You should not sell this revolver.
First, because your grandfather gave it to you.
Second, Colt stopped making DA revolvers this year. Collector interest is extremely keen, with prices all over the map. If you wait just a few years prices will stabilize and it will sell for more than you can likely get now. But again, don't sell it. I agree with Fuff, it is a 1925 gun.
FWIW, I have seen Army Specials in bare metal wearing broken grips for sale at $300. I bought this one from Kay Clark earlier this year for $275. It is a fine shooter.
First, because your grandfather gave it to you.
Second, Colt stopped making DA revolvers this year. Collector interest is extremely keen, with prices all over the map. If you wait just a few years prices will stabilize and it will sell for more than you can likely get now. But again, don't sell it. I agree with Fuff, it is a 1925 gun.
FWIW, I have seen Army Specials in bare metal wearing broken grips for sale at $300. I bought this one from Kay Clark earlier this year for $275. It is a fine shooter.
Thanks for all the replies, I dont ever plan to sell this gun I was just courious as to the value, just one quick question for Old Fuff, how did you know the TPD stood for Tarrytown and not another town that starts with the letter T, again thanks for the replies.
Lucky Derby
Member
Darnel, Looks like your revolver was made in 1911.
found here:
www.proofhouse.com
As far as whether it will fire .38 special, I need to know what the exact markings are on the revolver.
found here:
www.proofhouse.com
As far as whether it will fire .38 special, I need to know what the exact markings are on the revolver.
1927 38 special Army Colt short barrel revolver
I have a 1927 Short Barrel Colt. Serial Number 530121.
ALL original. It is in AWESOME condition. I don't think it was ever carried. My Grandfather gave it to me. He got it from his uncle who use to operate a funeral. Back then they bartered. They were in Texas and the Widow could not afford to pay for the Police officer's (her Husband) funeral. They made an arrangement where my Great Uncle got the gun as partial payment. It has sat in a Gun case since then. Maintained regularly. It looks like it was one of the last of this kind to be made.
I have seen several of these and this is the best I have seen hands down. It just was not used!
I Would not mind parting with it. I am looking for a Colt peacemaker type. HAS TO BE COLt in good condition. I am open to discussion.
Please let me know if you are interested.
The Barrel barley has holster wear.
I have a 1927 Short Barrel Colt. Serial Number 530121.
ALL original. It is in AWESOME condition. I don't think it was ever carried. My Grandfather gave it to me. He got it from his uncle who use to operate a funeral. Back then they bartered. They were in Texas and the Widow could not afford to pay for the Police officer's (her Husband) funeral. They made an arrangement where my Great Uncle got the gun as partial payment. It has sat in a Gun case since then. Maintained regularly. It looks like it was one of the last of this kind to be made.
I have seen several of these and this is the best I have seen hands down. It just was not used!
I Would not mind parting with it. I am looking for a Colt peacemaker type. HAS TO BE COLt in good condition. I am open to discussion.
Please let me know if you are interested.
The Barrel barley has holster wear.
CajunBass
Member
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