Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this outstanding double/single-action revolver today for a penny-start auction, this is the Colt Police Positive Special “First Issue."
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Police Positive Special “First Issue”
Serial: 268868
Date of Manufacture: 1922
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Fixed Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Black Hard Rubber Checkered Grips
Action: Double/Single-Action
Markings: Standard / The top of the barrel is stamped “COLT'S PT.F.A.MFG.CO. HARTFORD, CT, U.S.A / PAT'D AUG.5, 1884 JUNE 5.1900 JULY 4.1905”. The left side of the barrel is stamped “POLICE POSITIVE 38 SPECIAL”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Police Positive Special was an extended and strengthened evolution of the original Police Positive, featuring a lengthened frame and cylinder that allowed it to chamber longer, more powerful cartridges such as the .38 Special. Introduced in 1907, it became the primary platform for Colt’s small-frame double-action revolvers, which remained the foundation of the company’s compact revolver line until the last models were discontinued in 1995. The Police Positive Special and its numerous variants were extremely popular with police departments, offering a lighter and more compact revolver capable of firing the powerful .38 Special cartridge, making it an ideal service sidearm for officers seeking both portability and stopping power. Produced in various forms from 1907 to 1995, more versions were built on the Police Positive Special frame than on any other Colt double-action revolver design. The Police Positive Special First Issue (1907–1927) was offered in bright blue and bright nickel finishes, with barrel lengths of 4, 5, and 6 inches and chambered in .32-20, .32 New Police, .38 New Police (.38 S&W), and .38 Special. Early examples were fitted with hard black rubber grips until 1923, after which checkered walnut grips with silver Colt medallions became standard.
Model: Police Positive Special “First Issue”
Serial: 268868
Date of Manufacture: 1922
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Fixed Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Black Hard Rubber Checkered Grips
Action: Double/Single-Action
Markings: Standard / The top of the barrel is stamped “COLT'S PT.F.A.MFG.CO. HARTFORD, CT, U.S.A / PAT'D AUG.5, 1884 JUNE 5.1900 JULY 4.1905”. The left side of the barrel is stamped “POLICE POSITIVE 38 SPECIAL”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Police Positive Special was an extended and strengthened evolution of the original Police Positive, featuring a lengthened frame and cylinder that allowed it to chamber longer, more powerful cartridges such as the .38 Special. Introduced in 1907, it became the primary platform for Colt’s small-frame double-action revolvers, which remained the foundation of the company’s compact revolver line until the last models were discontinued in 1995. The Police Positive Special and its numerous variants were extremely popular with police departments, offering a lighter and more compact revolver capable of firing the powerful .38 Special cartridge, making it an ideal service sidearm for officers seeking both portability and stopping power. Produced in various forms from 1907 to 1995, more versions were built on the Police Positive Special frame than on any other Colt double-action revolver design. The Police Positive Special First Issue (1907–1927) was offered in bright blue and bright nickel finishes, with barrel lengths of 4, 5, and 6 inches and chambered in .32-20, .32 New Police, .38 New Police (.38 S&W), and .38 Special. Early examples were fitted with hard black rubber grips until 1923, after which checkered walnut grips with silver Colt medallions became standard.
The Second Issue (1928–1946) incorporated a grooved top strap to reduce glare, a checkered trigger for improved control, and increased clearance between the rear of the trigger guard and the front of the grip frame, providing better finger placement; smooth walnut grips were later replaced by checkered walnut panels. The Third Issue (1947–1976), representing the post-war production era, featured a ramped front sight, a new cylinder retention system, and a grooved trigger. After World War II, Colt adopted letter designations for its revolver frames, and the Police Positive Special was designated as part of the small “D” frame series. Third Issue revolvers were chambered in .38 Special and offered with 4, 5, and 6-inch barrels. In the 1950s, Colt transitioned from a square-butt to a rounded-butt grip frame, and in 1966, the full-length grip frame was shortened to the compact “stubby” D-frame configuration, with longer overlapping grips used to maintain a full handhold.
The Fourth Issue introduced a newly shrouded barrel similar to that used on the aluminum-framed Colt Viper, and the barrel markings reverted to “Police Positive,” omitting the “Special” designation except for the caliber stamp. The final iteration, the Police Positive Mark V (Fifth Issue), was produced from 1994 to 1995 and was fitted with a heavy, full-length shrouded 4-inch barrel and Pachmayr rubber “Compac” grips, marking the end of production for the Police Positive Special series. Today, the Police Positive Special is highly regarded by collectors for its long production history, mechanical refinement, and its role as one of Colt’s most influential and enduring small-frame revolver designs.
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.
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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/1153243662 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-02-15 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
1125 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-02-15 16:34:39 |
