help needed! Colt Police Positive value

Babysitr · #1 05-02-2018, 02:05 PM

Just posted my new 15-2 snub on 1961-80 forum. Also puchhased this 4" Police positive Nickel, Ivory grips. Not sure of year. Serial #393xxx. Has finish issues as pics' show, but bore and cyl. are shiny and bright. locks up real tight!. question is, grips look old and are very heavy in weight (not plastic). not sure if they are colt? don't know how to tell. Also not sure what it's chambered for?? barrel states Police Positive 38. it's shorter than .38 spl. that's for sure! help me please with anything you can! paid $300

DWalt · #2 05-02-2018, 02:26 PM

The Police Positive was chambered in .38 S&W, which Colt called the .38 Colt New Police. The Police Positive Special has a longer cylinder, and chambers the .38 S&W Special, which Colt called the .38 Colt Special. The only difference was that the Colt bullets had a flat nose. With the MOP stocks and flaking finish, I couldn't make a good guess regarding value. I'd say what you paid for it is not too far from market prices today. I recently saw a fairly high condition PP (regular grips and blued) with a $400 price tag on it. Yours is from ca. 1940.

les.b · #3 05-02-2018, 02:30 PM

That's a real beauty!!! Great price as well. The stocks are not Ivory, but mother of pearl. I'm no expert, but someone will be along shortly who knows about the dates on these grips. (Or stocks). The 38 refers to the "38 Colt New Police", which is just Colts name for the 38 S&W (not special). It is readily available.

Great aquision!!

Best Regards, Les

les.b · #4 05-02-2018, 02:31 PM

DWalt types faster than I do!!

824tsv · #5 05-02-2018, 07:14 PM

The serial# dates it to 1940.

s&wchad · #6 05-02-2018, 07:51 PM

The grips are either mother of pearl or faux MOP (synthetic/imitation). I can't tell by your photos. A picture of the back might help. If there's a layer of different material on the back, they're faux.

If they appear to be the same material front and back, heat the tip of a needle under a flame until very hot and press it against the back. If it sinks in, they're faux. If it has no effect, they're genuine MOP.

Babysitr · #7 05-03-2018, 10:57 AM

thanks s&wchad for the tip on the grips. they are in fact MOP. look the same front and back and hot needle did not affect them, other than a couple of yellow spots, they may look better on the inside! now to find some .38s&w rounds and shoot it

DWalt · #8 05-03-2018, 12:57 PM

If you haven't looked already, you might not be aware that .38 S&W ammunition can be difficult to locate.

Jessie · #9 05-08-2018, 01:08 AM

If you do a quick internet search you'll find plenty of .38 S&W ammo.
Not much bullet choice, usually 146 gr. lead.
Buffalo Bore makes some interesting loads. Make sure your gun is in good shape first.