*SOLD* 1924 Colt Army Special .38Spl Blue 5" *HISTORIC REVOLVER w/ FACTORY LETTER*

Bryant Ridge's Analysis:

The Colt Army Special, featuring a five-inch barrel and categorized as an "E" frame model, was introduced by Colt in 1908 as a replacement for the New Army and Navy models. This innovative revolver incorporated the superior action developed in the Colt New Pocket and New Service models, establishing a foundation for all medium-frame double-action revolvers produced by Colt up to the introduction of the Colt Python in 1955. Notably, the design remained remarkably consistent over the years, with many parts from a 1908 Army Special capable of interchanging with a Python manufactured in 2003. Designed to accommodate more powerful ammunition, such as the .38 Special and the .41 Colt, the Army Special quickly gained popularity among police departments and became a standard police-issued service revolver under the name "Official Police" well into the 1960s. The revolver was available in both blue and nickel finishes, with barrel lengths of 4 inches, 4.5 inches, 5 inches, and 6 inches. It could be chambered for various calibers, including .32-20, .38 Colt Long and Short cartridges, .38 Special, and .41 Colt. Initial models featured black hard rubber grips with molded checkering and Colt logos until 1923, when checkered walnut grips with silver Colt medallions became the standard. Production of the Army Special lasted from 1908 until 1927, after which it was rebranded as the Official Police in response to the fact that the Army had never purchased it, continuing virtually unchanged until 1969.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Army Special
Serial: 505993
Date of Manufacture: 1924
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5"  
Optics/Sights: Half Moon Blade Front with Frame Notched Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Wood with Inlaid Colt Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard