Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this early-production, double-action revolver for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Detective Special “First Issue”.
According to the included Colt factory letter, this example was shipped to George Fitzgerald in Maysville, Kentucky, on March 4, 1933.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Detective Special “First Issue”
Serial: 395173
Date of Manufacture: 1933
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 2"
Optics/Sights: Integral Round Blade Front with Frame Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Genuine Pearl
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Detective Special is a landmark compact revolver introduced in 1927 as a snub-nose variant of the Colt Police Positive Special, designed specifically for plainclothes law enforcement and civilian concealed carry. Built on what would later be designated the Colt D-frame, it combined Colt’s proven double-action mechanism with a 2-inch barrel, making it highly concealable without sacrificing reliability or firepower. Chambered in .38 Special, the Detective Special became one of the most widely carried revolvers by police detectives, undercover officers, and off-duty personnel for much of the 20th century, earning a reputation as the quintessential “cop gun.” Its early popularity and cultural recognition were so strong that the firearm often served as a symbol of authority in lieu of a badge, and it remained the standard for small defensive revolvers until competing designs, like the Smith & Wesson Chief’s Special, emerged in the 1950s.
Model: Detective Special “First Issue”
Serial: 395173
Date of Manufacture: 1933
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 2"
Optics/Sights: Integral Round Blade Front with Frame Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Genuine Pearl
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Detective Special is a landmark compact revolver introduced in 1927 as a snub-nose variant of the Colt Police Positive Special, designed specifically for plainclothes law enforcement and civilian concealed carry. Built on what would later be designated the Colt D-frame, it combined Colt’s proven double-action mechanism with a 2-inch barrel, making it highly concealable without sacrificing reliability or firepower. Chambered in .38 Special, the Detective Special became one of the most widely carried revolvers by police detectives, undercover officers, and off-duty personnel for much of the 20th century, earning a reputation as the quintessential “cop gun.” Its early popularity and cultural recognition were so strong that the firearm often served as a symbol of authority in lieu of a badge, and it remained the standard for small defensive revolvers until competing designs, like the Smith & Wesson Chief’s Special, emerged in the 1950s.
Over its nearly six-decade production history, the Detective Special underwent a series of refinements categorized by collectors as “Issues.” The First Issue (1927–1946) retained the original Police Positive Special square butt (later rounded in 1933) and shortened ejector rod. The Second Issue (1947–1965) introduced post-war updates, including a spring-and-plunger cylinder retention system, ramped front sights, grooved hammer and trigger, and changes to grips from Coltwood back to checkered American walnut. The Third Issue (1966) saw a shorter, stubby grip frame similar to the Colt Agent, while the Fourth Issue (1973–1986) incorporated a heavy barrel with ejector rod shroud, long ramped front sight, updated combat-style grips, and smooth trigger, marking the first Detective Special rated for +P ammunition. Throughout all iterations, the Colt Detective Special maintained its status as a compact, reliable, and finely finished revolver, cementing its place in both law enforcement history and the evolution of concealable defensive firearms.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the Colt 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
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.
