Information on a Colt Officers' Model .38

[thesomnambulist]

I posted this in another forum, but I thought maybe I could get a little more visibility here and find someone who knows something about it.

I'm trying to get any information I can about a revolver I inherited. If anyone can point me to an informative book, website, or other resource, It would be much appreciated; as well as any information you may be able to offer. The gun has "OFFICERS' MODEL .38" roll marks along the left side of the 7.5 inch barrel. The markings on the top are very faded, but it looks like the last patent date is July 4, 1905. Based on the serial number(313XXX) I believe it to be a "Second Issue" manufactured in 1909. It also has the adjustable sights, which I'm wondering if that suggests that it may actually be an "Officer's Model Target". I believe the "Target" was left off of the roll marks around that year. You can tell from the pictures that there is some surface rust and some pitting. When I got it, the cylinder was laying next to it and the crane was broken. I believe the cylinder is actually 32-20, and therefore doesn't go with this gun. Initially I couldn't see the whole serial number, and a lookup of what I thought was the serial number suggested it was made in 1950. I assumed it wasn't worth anything, and would make a fun project to restore, so I took it completely apart and have started cleaning with crud cutter, and light sanding to remove the surface rust. After discovering the full serial number (stamped inside, under said rust) I realized that it might be more valuable. I have no intentions of selling the gun, but I don't have the budget right now to pay a smith to restore it. Should I go ahead and try to restore it myself, or am I ruining a piece of history?

 

[dfariswheel]

From your post on another forum:

You have a Second Issue Colt Officer's Model as made from 1908 to 1926.
This one was made in 1909, which is a second year production.
It was the Third Model that Colt that Colt named the Officer's Model Target. Your's was just the Officer's Model.

This one is a .38 Special, not a .32-20.
The Second Issue was available in .32 Colt New Police (not 32-20) and .38 Special.
Barrel lengths were 4", 4 1/2", 5". 6", and 7 1/2".
Front and rear sights were adjustable, the front for elevation the rear for windage.
While other Colt's of that era had hard black rubber grips with molded in checkering and Colt logos, the Officer's Model came with fancy checkered walnut grips with silver Colt medallions starting in 1913.
So, your's would have probably been fitted with the hard rubber grips.

 

[Jim K]

Sorry, but "some surface rust" is an understatement. Frankly, the gun is a relic that looks like it was dug up. While it MIGHT, with a lot of skilled work and a lot of money, be made to fire again, it would not be economically feasible to do so and there is no way it could ever be made to look anywhere close to a good condition.

If you want an OM, they can be bought for a lot less than that gun would cost to make usable. I strongly suggest making it a wall hanger, with a suitable story to go along with it.

Jim

 

[thesomnambulist]

First of all, sorry about the picture size. I guess the other forum I posted this in auto resized the pictures to fit the window, and I didn't think about it. Here it looks rather annoying.

Thanks for the input. Honestly, the thought of making it a "wall hanger" never crossed my mind. I guess in my mind, a firearm is meant to be shot. I believe that with very fine grit sandpaper, patience, and a bluing kit, I could get it looking respectable (albeit probably not anywhere close to perfect). That being said, if I'm not going to be able to make it into a safe, reliable shooter, I could see myself possibly framing it to hang on the wall in my office.

 

[rswartsell]

Good luck with your project sir. Please be sure to have it inspected by a competent gunsmith before firing. Safety first!

Unless you have a great deal of experience in refinishing guns, I fear you will have a difficult time and may be disappointed with the results. Please understand no offense is intended, but you are biting off a lot. At the minimum you will find "cold bluing" cannot approach the original finish and will not be very durable. Surface polishing is in itself an art that is delicate with examples with far less challenge that this one. I note that a board member has used a process similar to electroplating to revive relics literally dug up, in the end they still looked very rough. You efforts may even diminish the guns appeal as a "wall hanger". The current appearance may indeed be more interesting in a shadow box than your end result.

On the other hand, there is little to be lost in the attempt but please heed the caution to have it inspected.

Regards,