Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present a double-action revolver that, in its time, was marketed to law enforcement agencies for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Official Police!
According to the accompanying Colt factory letter, this particular firearm holds remarkable historical significance, having been sold to Mr. F. J. Wilson of the U.S. Secret Service at the Treasury Building in Washington, D.C., and shipped to Joseph A. Lorch, also located in Washington, D.C., on April 21, 1942. At that time, the U.S. Secret Service was responsible for protecting President Franklin D. Roosevelt, making this revolver’s documented connection to the agency during the height of World War II especially compelling. Firearms with such direct ties to American law enforcement and government service represent an extraordinary intersection of history, provenance, and craftsmanship. This distinguished background elevates the piece from a fine example of Colt production to a genuine artifact of national heritage, offering collectors a tangible link to the men who safeguarded the Commander-in-Chief during one of the most pivotal eras in U.S. history.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Official Police, Pre-War
Serial: 699120
Date of Manufacture: 1942
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4"
Optics/Sights: Half Moon Blade Front with Frame Notched Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut with Nickel Rampant Colt Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In 1927, Colt rebranded the Army Special to the Official Police to better reflect its primary users, which included numerous police departments such as the New York City Police, Boston Police, and federal agencies like the FBI and the Treasury Department. The Official Police became the standard-issue revolver for law enforcement. They remained highly favored by private guard services, industrial plant guards, and civilian owners seeking a robust and powerful firearm. Colt offered several variations of this popular model, including finishes in blue and bright nickel and barrel lengths of 2", 4", 5", and 6". The revolver was available in calibers such as .22LR, .32-20, .38-200 British (.38 S&W), .38 Special, and .41 Long Colt. The grip options included square butts with optional rounded butts, and heavy barrel versions were typically 6". Grips were originally checkered walnut with silver Colt medallions until 1947, when "Coltwood" plastic grips with molded silver medallions were introduced, reverting to checkered walnut in 1954. The Official Police was produced from 1927 to 1969, with the post-war version (1947 to 1969) featuring a ramped and serrated front sight, a newly shaped hammer with grooves, and an updated cylinder retention system. Post-war models were available in .22LR and .38 Special.
Contents:
Model: Official Police, Pre-War
Serial: 699120
Date of Manufacture: 1942
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4"
Optics/Sights: Half Moon Blade Front with Frame Notched Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut with Nickel Rampant Colt Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In 1927, Colt rebranded the Army Special to the Official Police to better reflect its primary users, which included numerous police departments such as the New York City Police, Boston Police, and federal agencies like the FBI and the Treasury Department. The Official Police became the standard-issue revolver for law enforcement. They remained highly favored by private guard services, industrial plant guards, and civilian owners seeking a robust and powerful firearm. Colt offered several variations of this popular model, including finishes in blue and bright nickel and barrel lengths of 2", 4", 5", and 6". The revolver was available in calibers such as .22LR, .32-20, .38-200 British (.38 S&W), .38 Special, and .41 Long Colt. The grip options included square butts with optional rounded butts, and heavy barrel versions were typically 6". Grips were originally checkered walnut with silver Colt medallions until 1947, when "Coltwood" plastic grips with molded silver medallions were introduced, reverting to checkered walnut in 1954. The Official Police was produced from 1927 to 1969, with the post-war version (1947 to 1969) featuring a ramped and serrated front sight, a newly shaped hammer with grooves, and an updated cylinder retention system. Post-war models were available in .22LR and .38 Special.
Contents:
This example will ship with the factory letter as pictured above!
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
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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.
