Quick question about early Police Positives

[forindooruseonly]

I"m looking at a Colt Police Positive at the LGS and am trying to figure out if it has been reblued. Did the early 1st version with the gutta percha grips ever come with a blued hammer, or were they always in the white?

This revolver is gorgeous and all the stampings are crisp and clear - the blueing looks really good. However, the hammer is blued as well, and all the other ones I've ever seen were in the white. What do you think? Has it been reblued or otherwise changed from its original configuration?

 

[rcmodel]

I would expect to see a blue trigger and white hammer.

Like this:
http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/product_details.php?itemID=41166

rc

 

[forindooruseonly]

Thanks RC. The store is representing it as an original, unaltered revolver and is wanting a premium. I guess I'll walk away from this one unless they come down significantly.

 

[rcmodel]

Well I am far from a Colt Police Positive expert.

Maybe Old Fuff will come along and give you better info then I did.

rc

 

[Old Fuff]

How early is early?

Those made before about 1920 had Colt's high-polished/black blue "commercial trade" finish (sometimes called charcoal blue) with a nitre blued (also called "fire blue) trigger and hammer. The hammer was polished on the sides. After about 1920 Colt went to a satin blue-blue, called "gas oven blue, but still polished the hammer sides.

If you come across either you'll know it, because they don't look like today's tank blued guns. An easy clue is if it's had a modern refinish all of the blued parts will have an identical color.

Back then Colt didn't do it that way...

 

[Bradshaw]

If my 1920 example in .32 long is any indication, they're shooters.

 

[forindooruseonly]

How early is early?

Not sure, but it had grips like the one above.

If you come across either you'll know it, because they don't look like today's tank blued guns. An easy clue is if it's had a modern refinish all of the blued parts will have an identical color.

..the hammer and trigger definitely matched the rest of the gun. Guess that solves my mystery. Thanks for the input everyone!

 

[Old Fuff]

The revolver in post#6 is an early example of Colt's unique gas oven blue. Although the sides of the hammer are tarnished you can see that at one time they were polished bright.

Yes - If they are in good condition they do shoot...

 

[MtnSpur]

Here's a 1930 PP chambered in .38 S&W. Notice the difference in trigger and hammer. Original finish and wearing replacement stocks/grips.