My very first Colt...what is it?

[jsalcedo]

This gun has been sitting in the pawnshop since 1995 so I went and rescued it today.

The guy let it go for $115.

After a detailed cleaning the bore shines like new, the lockup is perfect
and the gun is tight.

The only problem is a lot of finish is worn off.

Can anyone identify this gun?

The serial number is 302 XXX

On the barrel it reads:

COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. USA
PAT'D AUG 5, 1884 JUNE 5, 1900 JULY 4. 1905

COLT ARMY SPECIAL 38

On the side plate is a horse jumping through an oval of some sort

Near the trigger is an upside down triangle with a VP inside.


Should I get it reblued or leave it alone?

 

[jsalcedo]

Here is a pic.

 

[dfariswheel]

You've got a Colt Army Special.

This is an improved version of Colt's 1892 New Army and Navy revolver.
Made from 1908 to 1927 this is the only the third swing-out cylinder model Colt offered, with only the 1889 Navy and the 1892 Army and Navy earlier.

The Army Special name was a case of hopeful advertising, since no military ever bought it.

In 1927 Colt renamed it as the Colt Official Police, and continued making it, virtually unchanged until 1969.

The Army Special is the true basis of all Colt DA revolvers that followed, including the Official Police, the Officer's Models, the old model 357, the old model Trooper, the Python, and all the small frame like the Detective Special, Police Positive, and Diamondback.

The Army Special was available in 32-20, .38 Colt, .38 S&W, and .41 calibers.

Barrels were 4", 4.5", 5", and 6".
Finishes were bright blue or nickel, all with hard rubber "gutta Percha" grips.

Your serial number dates to FIRST YEAR production of 1908.
The serial number range for the Army Special started with number 291000
and went to 305499 by the end of the year, so yours is VERY early.

The "VP in a triangle, is Colt's "Verified Proof" mark.
The grips are original issue.

Due to the first year production, I'd leave it strictly ALONE. I would NOT reblue or alter it in any way, since this gun will have collector's interest.

As long as the gun is in good shape and is properly in tune, I can be shot, but ONLY with lighter load ammunition. NO +P or hot ammo.

 

[Steve F]

IMO leave it alone Nice catch

 

[jsalcedo]

Wow thanks dfariswheel.

An interesting side note.

I took off the grips and noticed GPD scratched into the frame near the main spring and on the inside of the grips is scribed:

G.P. Derry

I wonder if that was the original owner.

BTW this is about the heaviest .38 I have ever picked up.

 

[Jim March]

What a neat ol' critter...'specially if it passes the checkouts.

Collector value aside, it was worth EVERY bit of $115.

 

[BowStreetRunner]

looks nice

 

[Rangie]

Here's my wife's .38 spl.

SN 3020xx

 

[Jim K]

At that date (1908), most of the .38 Army Specials were made for .38 Long Colt. Late ones were almost all in .38 Special. Try a .38 Special in it and if it fits, you were a good little boy and have been suitably rewarded.

Jim

 

[jsalcedo]

.38 special fits perfectly.


Now to find it a brother in 32-20

 

[SMLE]

I recently picked up an Official Police revolver dating from 1937. Since the gun was built on a .41 caliber frame, Colt touted it for use with standard and "high speed" 38 Special ammo. A 1908 dated gun I would only shoot with standard velocity or match ammo.
Nice score BTW.