Odd Colt Police Positive- 32 New Police

[evan price]

I've got a Colt Police Positive 4" in 32 Colt New Police caliber. It has a last patent date of 1905 on the barrel. The serial number is 45XXX.

It has a flat release latch and not a chess-pawn release latch. According to my Blue Book serial numbers for first production in 1907 don't start until 47XXX.

Anybody got any info? I know Colt had a habit of using up parts during a transition... maybe this is a transition or first production of the first issue?

 

[MMCSRET]

It is probably a transition gun built of parts for New Police and Police Positive. They were new guns using up existing parts. The serial numbers just continued on from New Police into Police Positive. The chambering should be either 32 New Police or 32 Colt; they are not the same. New Police numbers would make it a 1907/08 production, maybe!!!

 

[evan price]

The left sideplate has the rampant Colt with Colt's New Police surrounding it.
Barrel says Colt New Police 32 on left side.

Barrel Says
Police
ositive

(Police Positive)

On the other.
Has the 1905 positive lock safety.

Chambered in .32 Colt New Police caliber and shoots 32 S&W Longs no sweat.