Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this classic double/single-action revolver today for a penny-start auction, this is the Colt Army Special.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Army Special
Serial: 378941
Date of Manufacture: 1914
Caliber: .41 Colt
Finish: Blue / Patina
Barrel Length: 4 1/2"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Fixed Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Black Checkered Grips
Action: Double/Single-Action
Markings: Standard / The top of the barrel is stamped “COLT'S PT.F.A.MFG.CO / HARTFORD, C.T., U.S.A. / PAT'D AUG.5.1884 JUNE 5.1900 JULY 4, 1905.” The left side of the frame is stamped with a rampant horse. The left side of the barrel is stamped “COLT / ARMY SPECIAL / 41”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In 1908, Colt's Manufacturing Company introduced a new medium-frame double-action revolver intended to replace the aging New Army & Navy models. This redesigned revolver incorporated the significantly improved action system first pioneered in the Colt New Pocket and New Service models, offering smoother operation, enhanced durability, and greater overall strength. The platform would go on to form the foundation for virtually every medium-frame double-action revolver Colt produced thereafter, culminating decades later in the legendary Colt Python of 1955. Remarkably, the basic design changed very little over the years. In fact, many internal parts from a 1908 Army Special will interchange with those of a Python manufactured as late as 2003—an impressive testament to the soundness and longevity of the original engineering. The new revolver was built to handle more powerful and modern cartridges, including the .38 Special and the .41 Colt, giving it a clear advantage over its predecessors. The Army Special quickly earned a strong reputation for reliability and performance, becoming an immediate success with law enforcement agencies. Under the later name of the Official Police, it would serve as a standard-issue service revolver for countless police departments well into the 1960s.
Model: Army Special
Serial: 378941
Date of Manufacture: 1914
Caliber: .41 Colt
Finish: Blue / Patina
Barrel Length: 4 1/2"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Fixed Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Black Checkered Grips
Action: Double/Single-Action
Markings: Standard / The top of the barrel is stamped “COLT'S PT.F.A.MFG.CO / HARTFORD, C.T., U.S.A. / PAT'D AUG.5.1884 JUNE 5.1900 JULY 4, 1905.” The left side of the frame is stamped with a rampant horse. The left side of the barrel is stamped “COLT / ARMY SPECIAL / 41”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In 1908, Colt's Manufacturing Company introduced a new medium-frame double-action revolver intended to replace the aging New Army & Navy models. This redesigned revolver incorporated the significantly improved action system first pioneered in the Colt New Pocket and New Service models, offering smoother operation, enhanced durability, and greater overall strength. The platform would go on to form the foundation for virtually every medium-frame double-action revolver Colt produced thereafter, culminating decades later in the legendary Colt Python of 1955. Remarkably, the basic design changed very little over the years. In fact, many internal parts from a 1908 Army Special will interchange with those of a Python manufactured as late as 2003—an impressive testament to the soundness and longevity of the original engineering. The new revolver was built to handle more powerful and modern cartridges, including the .38 Special and the .41 Colt, giving it a clear advantage over its predecessors. The Army Special quickly earned a strong reputation for reliability and performance, becoming an immediate success with law enforcement agencies. Under the later name of the Official Police, it would serve as a standard-issue service revolver for countless police departments well into the 1960s.
The Army Special was offered in both blue and nickel finishes, with barrel lengths of 4", 4 1/2", 5", and 6". Chamberings included .32-20, various .38 Colt Long and Short cartridges, .38 Special, and .41 Colt, making it a versatile sidearm adaptable to a wide range of needs. Early examples featured black hard rubber grips with molded checkering and Colt logos. In 1923, these were replaced with checkered walnut stocks adorned with silver Colt medallions, adding a more refined appearance. The Army Special was produced from 1908 until 1927. Ironically, despite its name, the U.S. Army never formally adopted it. Recognizing its widespread popularity with police agencies, Colt renamed the revolver the Official Police in 1927 and continued production—virtually unchanged—until 1969.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
We have an amazing inventory of classic and collector firearms that we are adding to Gunbroker daily. Stay up to date on all of our latest auction by adding us to your favorite sellers list.
About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1158537217 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-03-08 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
338 |
