Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this HISTORIC double-action revolver today for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Bankers Special has been marked and used by the US Railway Mail Service!
This U.S. Railway Mail Service Marked Colt Bankers Special represents an exceptionally rare and historically fascinating variation of one of Colt's most desirable early snub-nosed revolvers. Already highly collectible in its standard configuration, the Bankers Special becomes considerably more intriguing when associated with the United States Railway Mail Service, an essential division of America's postal system responsible for sorting and transporting mail aboard the nation's railroads. These distinctive markings connect the revolver to a remarkable period of American history, when railway mail operations played a vital role in national communication and commerce. Unlike conventional production examples, a Railway Mail Service-marked Bankers Special offers collectors the opportunity to acquire a firearm with a potentially significant connection to federal postal operations. Examples bearing such unusual institutional markings are seldom encountered, and opportunities to acquire one on the open market are particularly noteworthy. For advanced Colt collectors and enthusiasts of historically significant American firearms, this revolver represents an extraordinary combination of scarcity, historical character, and collector appeal.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Bankers Special - US Railway Mail Service
Serial: 350696 - Service No. 11530
Date of Manufacture: 1931
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 2"
Optics/Sights: Frame Notched Rear w/ Fixed Half Circle Front
Stock/Grips: Original Two-Piece Checkered Walnut Grips w/ Inlaid Colt Medallions
Action: Double-Action
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked with a stylized "GWA". The backstrap bears the "R.M.S. P.O. DEPT." of the United States Railway Mail Service, and the butt is marked "No. 11530". With Railway Mail Service badge and "R.M.S./P.O. DEPT" holster rig.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The U.S. Railway Mail Service Marked Colt Bankers Special represents an exceptionally rare and historically fascinating variation of one of Colt's most sought-after early double-action revolvers. Introduced in 1928, the Bankers Special was designed as a compact, concealable defensive revolver, making it particularly appealing to individuals and institutions requiring a dependable firearm in a discreet configuration. While the Bankers Special is already highly collectible due to its distinctive design, relatively limited production, and association with early American banking and security, an example bearing United States Railway Mail Service markings elevates its historical significance considerably. The Railway Mail Service played a crucial role in American transportation and communications, with personnel working aboard railroad mail cars that carried correspondence and other valuable materials throughout the country. The presence of these unusual markings creates a fascinating connection between Colt's firearms manufacturing heritage and one of America's most important federal institutions. Such specialized markings are seldom encountered on Bankers Special revolvers, making this an especially intriguing variation for collectors of historically significant Colt firearms. From an advanced collector's perspective, the U.S. Railway Mail Service Marked Colt Bankers Special represents an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a highly unusual institutional-marked variation of an already desirable Colt revolver. Standard Bankers Specials are increasingly appreciated by collectors, but examples displaying distinctive markings associated with federal agencies or specialized government services occupy an entirely different level of historical interest. These are not firearms that routinely appear in major auction catalogs, and opportunities to acquire examples bearing unusual Railway Mail Service identification can be exceptionally limited. Although an exact production or surviving population for this particular variation has not been established, its unusual markings and specialized historical association distinguish it from conventional commercial production. For serious Colt collectors, especially those pursuing early double-action revolvers, government-associated firearms, and historically significant institutional markings, this example offers an exceptional combination of rarity, provenance potential, and collector appeal. The opportunity to acquire a Bankers Special with such an unusual historical association is particularly noteworthy, as firearms of this specialized nature seldom emerge on the open market, and once acquired, they may remain in established collections for generations.
Contents:
Model: Bankers Special - US Railway Mail Service
Serial: 350696 - Service No. 11530
Date of Manufacture: 1931
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 2"
Optics/Sights: Frame Notched Rear w/ Fixed Half Circle Front
Stock/Grips: Original Two-Piece Checkered Walnut Grips w/ Inlaid Colt Medallions
Action: Double-Action
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked with a stylized "GWA". The backstrap bears the "R.M.S. P.O. DEPT." of the United States Railway Mail Service, and the butt is marked "No. 11530". With Railway Mail Service badge and "R.M.S./P.O. DEPT" holster rig.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The U.S. Railway Mail Service Marked Colt Bankers Special represents an exceptionally rare and historically fascinating variation of one of Colt's most sought-after early double-action revolvers. Introduced in 1928, the Bankers Special was designed as a compact, concealable defensive revolver, making it particularly appealing to individuals and institutions requiring a dependable firearm in a discreet configuration. While the Bankers Special is already highly collectible due to its distinctive design, relatively limited production, and association with early American banking and security, an example bearing United States Railway Mail Service markings elevates its historical significance considerably. The Railway Mail Service played a crucial role in American transportation and communications, with personnel working aboard railroad mail cars that carried correspondence and other valuable materials throughout the country. The presence of these unusual markings creates a fascinating connection between Colt's firearms manufacturing heritage and one of America's most important federal institutions. Such specialized markings are seldom encountered on Bankers Special revolvers, making this an especially intriguing variation for collectors of historically significant Colt firearms. From an advanced collector's perspective, the U.S. Railway Mail Service Marked Colt Bankers Special represents an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a highly unusual institutional-marked variation of an already desirable Colt revolver. Standard Bankers Specials are increasingly appreciated by collectors, but examples displaying distinctive markings associated with federal agencies or specialized government services occupy an entirely different level of historical interest. These are not firearms that routinely appear in major auction catalogs, and opportunities to acquire examples bearing unusual Railway Mail Service identification can be exceptionally limited. Although an exact production or surviving population for this particular variation has not been established, its unusual markings and specialized historical association distinguish it from conventional commercial production. For serious Colt collectors, especially those pursuing early double-action revolvers, government-associated firearms, and historically significant institutional markings, this example offers an exceptional combination of rarity, provenance potential, and collector appeal. The opportunity to acquire a Bankers Special with such an unusual historical association is particularly noteworthy, as firearms of this specialized nature seldom emerge on the open market, and once acquired, they may remain in established collections for generations.
Contents:
This example will ship with the matching holster, 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.
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/1217689667 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-11-15 22:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
781.76 |
