I have a friend that has possesion of an old Colt police positive in .32 Colt. It has the original grips and box, though he says the box is kinda rough. He says that the family that owns it says their grandfather bought it sometime in the '20's. The gun is in good shape, but a little dirty. He is going to clean it up, and send me pictures. No rust or other serious issues, just some very small nicks to the finish.

Can anyone here help out with a value?

Serial number 371735 if that helps. 4" BBL. Blued finish.

With that ser.# it would be a Police Positive Special made in 1928. Lets see the pics when you can.

It may be a few days before I get pictures. Any thought as to value?

I got more, and better info on this gun now. It says .32 Police CTG on the barrel, which should make it a .32 S&W chambered gun if I'm not mistaken. No rust, or bluing loss, just dirty.

Anyone?

Here's my guess - $300 - $400, based solely on what they seem to be bringing on Gunbroker and listings in my most current book. Subject to condition, etc etc. You could ask on the Colt forum, but it might be a week before you get an answer.

__________________
“What you got, ain’t new.”

And I don't want to have to join to ask.

The correct cartridge for that Colt is .32 Long Colt. It's about the same as .32 S&W Long. Pretty close anyway.

Look at the frame length. The PP Special has a frame like a Detective Spcl. The PP has a shorter frame. You should be abe to tell at a glance which it is, if you've ever studied any Colt reference books. The barrel also probably says which it is.

Both were made in .32.

T-Star

Some Colt guys on another forum say that if it is a Police Positive .32, it is a .32 S&W, not Colt. I don't have the gun to look at, but I will see it in a week or so to look at the frame length.
I posted everything that he says is written on it.
Regardless of caliber, he is looking for the correct value to sell it for.

1920 Police Positive pics - ColtForum

Okay, but for those interested, here's a Police Positive .32. Note the short frame compared to a Police Positive Special or Detective Special, the latter being just a snub PP Spcl.

Nice pics. Scroll down, and you can read the barrel marking.


T-Star

The secret lies in the BBL. marking and the ser. #.
Ser. num. places it way out of PP .32. I'll wait for the pics.

That helps. Thanks.