One more layway, not too sure on value or even caliber

[hemicharger08]

So I recently asked about the value of a Colt Cobra 1st generation that I found at a pawnshop. Turns out I was totally wrong.


It's actually a Colt Police Positive 38, maybe 32 not too sure really. It looks like a 1st generation Colt Cobra. I've seen CPP but they are all 3" or more. This one seems to be a snub nose. It has been reblued and has pearl (or pearl like) grips. I started to scratch the pearl with my teeth, but people started looking at me funny, so i decided to wait and see if they are real pearls in the privacy of my home once i finish paying on it.

As for stampings, the reblue job seemed to erased the Colt horse logo, and you can only read PoliceOsitive (words sharing the P) and the buttstock has K.P.D. No.40 . The markings in the butstock do not seem to be homemade.

As for the serial number I can't seem to locate my recipt, but I do recall seing a big "A" on the frame.

Any idea on value? Is it worth collecting? Has 30 day warranty so i can always return or trade

 

[woad_yurt]

It's probably a great shooter but not anything valuable. They made a lot of them and are pretty common (with the original finish!) on Gunbroker et al.

 

[MMCSRET]

The Police Positives are great little guns, only the best specimens are truly collectible at this time. Keep in mind that the PP 38 is chambered for 38 Police, not 38 Special. 38 Police is same as 38 S&W, a little spendy, but readily available at a full service gun shop. I cast and load my own and I really like the guns and the cartridge.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

If it's a snub .38 Police Positive in 2", I'm thinking the barrel's been cut off. I don't believe that gun came in a snub....I believe the .32 did come in 2", though.

 

[Lucky Derby]

I do believe I read that there were some PP snubs. They were test guns that would evolve into the DS.
If it is a .38 it is .38 S&W. The .38 Specials are Police Positive Specials. They have a slightly longer frame and cylinder.

 

[Old Fuff]

While the standard cataloged barrel lengths for the .38 Police Positive model were 4, 5 and 6 inches thay made them on special order with other lengths, including 1 3/4" with no front sight and 2, 2 1/2, 3 and 3 1/2 inches.

However these are rare and seldom seen. A snubby made from a cut down longer barrel would be far more likely. Depending on how well the work was done, this could lower or enhance the value.

The K.D.P. is most likely a police department marking that was done at the Colt factory. Perhaps the Kalamazoo (MI) Police Department.

Putting a value on the gun is dificult without seeing it. If the barrel is original and not a cut-off the value would be substantually increased, but the refinishing would lower it. Today, because of the cartridge it is chambered to use, the basic model isn't especially valuable, as demand is light - except for original revolvers in excellent or better condition. Without seeing it I'd say $75 to $200 at best.

If you open the cylinder you will find the serial number stamped on the frame, just under the back end of the barrel.