Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this unique double-action revolver today for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Detective Special Post-War!
This example was acquired by Bryant Ridge from the Original Purchaser who has attested to the unfired condition. This example is a one-owner firearm and is the first time it has been available for purchase on the open market since its initial release from Colt. Do not miss this opportunity to own a truly iconic piece of Colt History.
This Detective Special Post-War was produced in 1978. It is designed to accommodate the .32 Colt New Police cartridge. This particular model is referred to as a "parts cleanup" by Colt collectors because it makes use of the existing supply of .32 barrels and cylinders. The .32s are unique and charming little guns.
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This example was acquired by Bryant Ridge from the Original Purchaser who has attested to the unfired condition. This example is a one-owner firearm and is the first time it has been available for purchase on the open market since its initial release from Colt. Do not miss this opportunity to own a truly iconic piece of Colt History.
This Detective Special Post-War was produced in 1978. It is designed to accommodate the .32 Colt New Police cartridge. This particular model is referred to as a "parts cleanup" by Colt collectors because it makes use of the existing supply of .32 barrels and cylinders. The .32s are unique and charming little guns.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Detective Special Post-War
Serial: 11865R
Date of Manufacture: 1978
Caliber: .32 Colt New Police
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 2" Longer Unshrouded Ejector Rod
Optics/Sights: Serrated Ramp Front with Integral Frame Notched Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut with Gold Colt Medallions
Action: Double
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In the early 1900s, Colt developed the Police Positive Special, a small frame revolver that became one of Colt's most popular designs. It was used for more versions and models than any other Colt double-action revolver. The Police Positive Special action remained virtually unchanged from 1907 to 1995. During the early 1900s, the Police Positive Special was made with a variety of barrel lengths, with the shortest standard length being 4 inches. In 1927, Colt introduced a new version of the Police Positive Special with a 2-inch barrel. Colt decided to name this new version the Colt Detective Special. This stroke of genius resulted in a gun that became the preferred revolver for police detectives, undercover officers, and off-duty policemen for the next 50 years. The vast majority of police officers during that time owned a Colt Detective Special.
Model: Detective Special Post-War
Serial: 11865R
Date of Manufacture: 1978
Caliber: .32 Colt New Police
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 2" Longer Unshrouded Ejector Rod
Optics/Sights: Serrated Ramp Front with Integral Frame Notched Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut with Gold Colt Medallions
Action: Double
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In the early 1900s, Colt developed the Police Positive Special, a small frame revolver that became one of Colt's most popular designs. It was used for more versions and models than any other Colt double-action revolver. The Police Positive Special action remained virtually unchanged from 1907 to 1995. During the early 1900s, the Police Positive Special was made with a variety of barrel lengths, with the shortest standard length being 4 inches. In 1927, Colt introduced a new version of the Police Positive Special with a 2-inch barrel. Colt decided to name this new version the Colt Detective Special. This stroke of genius resulted in a gun that became the preferred revolver for police detectives, undercover officers, and off-duty policemen for the next 50 years. The vast majority of police officers during that time owned a Colt Detective Special.
The Detective Special became so associated with law enforcement that it was known on the streets as "a cop gun," and anyone carrying it was assumed to be a policeman. In those days, detectives opened their coats to show the gun to identify themselves instead of showing their badge. Such was the popularity of the Colt that S&W didn't offer a competitive gun until the S&W Chief's Special of 1950. For both police and civilian concealed gun carriers, the Detective Special was the "Gold Standard" in small defensive revolvers up through the 1960s. It was compact, powerful, strong, and held six rounds. The Detective Special was noted for its better accuracy and higher quality of fit and finish. It has always been considered to be the finest "snubby" revolver.
Collectors use the terms "Generation" or "Issue" when it comes to Colt firearms. "Generation" is typically used for the Colt Single Action Army revolvers, while "Issue" is used for most other models, including the Detective Special. During its production period, the Detective Special underwent several modifications. Collectors use "Issues" to indicate major changes. However, this system is arbitrary, and collectors often disagree on the division of Issues. For instance, while the Detective Special made from 1927 to 1946 is usually known as the First Issue, some collectors argue that since the Detective Special had a square butt from 1927 to 1933, and then changed to a round butt in 1933, the 1933 to 1946 models should be a Second Issue, and 1927 to 1933 should be the First Issue. This can be confusing, and opinions vary among collectors. Colt Fever has decided to adopt the most commonly used system of Issues.
Contents:
This example will ship with a Colt box and papers pictured above! The owner states that this example remains New Old Stock and we see no evidence to indicate otherwise.
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 $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping $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.
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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