Colt .38 police, 1911 date of manufacture..

[Ron M.]

Got one up here for sale on consignment, rubber correct grips, decent finish. Asking $475...is that reasonable? Thanks in advance. Four inch barrel, will verify it is a .38 special before going forward.

 

[Absalom]

If it's from 1911 and marked "Police" anywhere, it would have to be either a Police Positive 38 (.38 New Police = .38 S&W) or a Police Positive Special, the same small frame somewhat elongated and strengthened to accommodate the .38 Special. Both slick little guns, and in good to very good condition with undamaged hard rubber stocks not out of the ballpark at $475, although not exactly a screaming bargain.

 

[DWalt]

There was also a larger frame Colt .38 Special revolver called the "Army Special" made at that time, which later was re-named and became the "Official Police". But there is no "Police" stamping on an Army Special. Is $475 reasonable? Probably not, but it would take some pictures to establish its condition. Could be if in excellent condition.

 

[Ron M.]

Thanks for the advice, gave it a second look...

...this time with my magnifying glass. Almost all the engraving on the barrel was illegible, and the Colt logo was completed buffed out. Someone had gotten a little too busy with their workshop before getting the revolver re-blued. The gun shop hadn't even dropped in a 38 special to see what caliber it actually was though the ticket said .38 Special. Didn't have the heart to tell them their consignment piece was a beat up old shooter probably in the neighborhood of $175 or so. Oh well, maybe a SS New Model Vaquero in .45 colt...it's there as well for the same price. Thanks again for all the input.