Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this ABSOLUTELY STUNNING double-action revolver today for a penny-start auction; this is the Pre-WWII Colt Detective Special First Issue that has been Master Hand Engraved by John Adams Sr.
John Adams Sr. was one of the most respected American master firearms engravers of the modern era, widely recognized for his deep relief scrollwork, classical American engraving style, and association with some of the most prestigious custom firearms ever produced. He was the son of John Adams, a skilled craftsman himself, and was trained and heavily influenced by legendary engravers including Alvin A. White, Arnold Griebel, and the broader Colt factory engraving tradition that defined high-grade American arms in the mid-20th century. Adams Sr. became especially well known for his work on Colt Single Action Army revolvers, Colt 1911 pistols, Smith & Wesson revolvers, and custom sporting arms, often executed in deep-cut American scroll with tasteful gold inlays and balanced coverage. His engraving is frequently associated with Colt Custom Shop, factory-engraved Colts, and high-end presentation firearms, making his signed or attributed work highly desirable to collectors. In addition to factory and Colt Custom Shop–associated work, he also performed a significant amount of post-factory engraving, enhancing standard production firearms into high-grade custom pieces after they left the manufacturer.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Detective Special - First Issue
Serial: 445995
Date of Manufacture: 1937
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blued - Turnbull Restored
Barrel Length: 2"
Optics/Sights: Frame Notched Rear w/ Fixed Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Genuine Ivory Two-Piece Grips w/ Silver Colt Medallions
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard / “C” Hand Engraved Scrollwork through the whole firearm, John Adams Sr. Signature beneath the left grip panel.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Detective Special First Issue represents one of the most important milestones in American revolver history, marking Colt’s introduction of a truly modern, concealable double-action revolver for law enforcement and civilian carry. Introduced in 1927, the First Issue Detective Special was built on the D-frame and chambered in .38 Special, offering six shots in a compact package at a time when most competitors held only five. Early examples are distinguished by features such as the long ejector rod, square butt frame, finely polished bluing, and classic pre-war Colt craftsmanship. These revolvers quickly earned a reputation for reliability, accuracy, and durability, becoming a favorite of plainclothes detectives, off-duty officers, and private citizens. Today, First Issue Detective Specials are highly collectible, as they represent the foundation of Colt’s dominance in the concealed-carry revolver market. John Adams Sr. was one of the most respected American firearms engravers of the 20th century, known for his mastery of traditional American scroll engraving and his deep connection to Colt’s engraving heritage. The son of craftsman John Adams, he trained under and was influenced by legendary engravers such as Alvin A. White and Arnold Griebel, absorbing techniques rooted in the Colt factory style that emphasized balance, depth, and elegance over excess. Adams Sr. worked on Colt revolvers and pistols—including Detective Specials, Single Action Armies, and 1911s—as well as Smith & Wesson revolvers and other high-grade sporting arms. Importantly, his work included both factory-associated engraving and extensive post-factory engraving, where standard firearms were transformed into high-grade custom pieces after leaving the manufacturer. Firearms engraved by John Adams Sr. are prized today not only for their visual appeal, but for the story they tell—bridging Old World craftsmanship, Colt’s golden era, and the enduring legacy of American hand engraving.
Contents:
Model: Detective Special - First Issue
Serial: 445995
Date of Manufacture: 1937
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blued - Turnbull Restored
Barrel Length: 2"
Optics/Sights: Frame Notched Rear w/ Fixed Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Genuine Ivory Two-Piece Grips w/ Silver Colt Medallions
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard / “C” Hand Engraved Scrollwork through the whole firearm, John Adams Sr. Signature beneath the left grip panel.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Detective Special First Issue represents one of the most important milestones in American revolver history, marking Colt’s introduction of a truly modern, concealable double-action revolver for law enforcement and civilian carry. Introduced in 1927, the First Issue Detective Special was built on the D-frame and chambered in .38 Special, offering six shots in a compact package at a time when most competitors held only five. Early examples are distinguished by features such as the long ejector rod, square butt frame, finely polished bluing, and classic pre-war Colt craftsmanship. These revolvers quickly earned a reputation for reliability, accuracy, and durability, becoming a favorite of plainclothes detectives, off-duty officers, and private citizens. Today, First Issue Detective Specials are highly collectible, as they represent the foundation of Colt’s dominance in the concealed-carry revolver market. John Adams Sr. was one of the most respected American firearms engravers of the 20th century, known for his mastery of traditional American scroll engraving and his deep connection to Colt’s engraving heritage. The son of craftsman John Adams, he trained under and was influenced by legendary engravers such as Alvin A. White and Arnold Griebel, absorbing techniques rooted in the Colt factory style that emphasized balance, depth, and elegance over excess. Adams Sr. worked on Colt revolvers and pistols—including Detective Specials, Single Action Armies, and 1911s—as well as Smith & Wesson revolvers and other high-grade sporting arms. Importantly, his work included both factory-associated engraving and extensive post-factory engraving, where standard firearms were transformed into high-grade custom pieces after leaving the manufacturer. Firearms engraved by John Adams Sr. are prized today not only for their visual appeal, but for the story they tell—bridging Old World craftsmanship, Colt’s golden era, and the enduring legacy of American hand engraving.
Contents:
This example will ship with the Colt Factory Letter, documentation of the genuine Ivory Grips, and all the documentation of John Adams Sr. Engraving 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.
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. 
