Colt Army Special-1922, questions

[firefighterjohn]

My LGS has a very clean 1922 Colt Army Special that came in. It's almost 95% with deep blueing and great lockup. It has the double spear Rampant Colt Logo(don't know is that's significant?) for a total of $745. I looked up some GB prices and they are all over the place; some comparable ones are asking $1200+ and some beat-up ones are ~$500. I've read that this isn't really considered a Colt collectible like other models and it really didn't get adopted by th Army since it was renamed to Police Special after 1927.

I've already got a great shooting S&W Model of 1905 but the blueing isn't near as nice. It's the only one I can compare it too in my collection.

So, what do you think? Is the Colt Army Special worth that kind of money or is it a pass? I don't own any Colts currently so that's why I'm asking. Don't really have a NEED for it but it is a beautiful revolver that's over 100 years old.

Thanks.

 

[ralph7]

If you notice, the fire blue on the hammer and a few other parts is worth the price of admission.
That's something that Colt excelled at.

 

[erikpolcrack]

I could be wrong, but I think the Army Special was renamed the Official Police. I have an Army Special from that era and it sure was worth the price I paid years back. Well made, solid, beautiful revolvers.

 

[cherrypointmarine]

Post your question on the Colt forum . Some really great folks and a ton of knowledge . I joined when I got my b1943 1911A1 and GCNM Super Elite 38Super . They , like here , bend over backwards to help newbies .

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

The Rampant Colt doesn’t have two spears…it’s the broken lance of its fallen rider…taking up the fight.

What caliber is it? That makes a big difference in value.

 

[firefighterjohn]

If you notice, the fire blue on the hammer and a few other parts is worth the price of admission.
That's something that Colt excelled at.

I'll take a look at both of them wehn I get back to the LGS, thanks!

 

[firefighterjohn]

I could be wrong, but I think the Army Special was renamed the Official Police. I have an Army Special from that era and it sure was worth the price I paid years back. Well made, solid, beautiful revolvers.

After looking it up, it was changed to the Official Police. Thanks, it is a very clean solid revolver for being over 100 y.o.

 

[firefighterjohn]

The Rampant Colt doesn’t have two spears…it’s the broken lance of its fallen rider…taking up the fight.

What caliber is it? That makes a big difference in value.

OK, thanks for the correct description. It's a .38 special.

 

[firefighterjohn]

Post your question on the Colt forum . Some really great folks and a ton of knowledge . I joined when I got my b1943 1911A1 and GCNM Super Elite 38Super . They , like here , bend over backwards to help newbies .

Thanks cherrypointmarine, I'll have to go there and submit a request.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

OK, thanks for the correct description. It's a .38 special.

Unless it's really cherry condition that would put it near the bottom end of values as .38 Special is most common. If it was .41 Colt or .32-20 it would more uncommon and valuable. The .38 Special makes for a better (and far more economical) shooter...but that's the vagaries of the market.

 

[s&wchad]

This thread needs a photo!

This Apmy Special (broken die stamp) was a walk in at our local antique arms show (MAAC). I had hoped it shipped to Harry Bennett (head of security for Henry Ford), since he liked nickel plated guns with MOP stocks. That wasn't the case, but it's still a cool gun and I'm glad to have it!

 

[glenncal1]

OP-if you want a really nice companion to your 1905, grab the Colt. I had an Army Special in .32-20 that I sold for some fool reason and it was a very nice gun. You can shoot the Smith on M,W,F and the Colt on T,T,S on Sunday you can shoot 'em both.

 

[Mk VII]

My LGS has a very clean 1922 Colt Army Special that came in. It's almost 95% with deep blueing and great lockup. It has the double spear Rampant Colt Logo(don't know is that's significant?) for a total of $745. I looked up some GB prices and they are all over the place; some comparable ones are asking $1200+ and some beat-up ones are ~$500. I've read that this isn't really considered a Colt collectible like other models and it really didn't get adopted by th Army since it was renamed to Police Special after 1927.

I've already got a great shooting S&W Model of 1905 but the blueing isn't near as nice. It's the only one I can compare it too in my collection.

So, what do you think? Is the Colt Army Special worth that kind of money or is it a pass? I don't own any Colts currently so that's why I'm asking. Don't really have a NEED for it but it is a beautiful revolver that's over 100 years old.

Thanks.

Test the lockup in DA mode. Mine over rotates, to the point where it won't discharge. Fine in SA mode. Didn't spot this in the auction.

 

[DWalt]

I have a ca. 1912 .32-20 Army Special which I would say is in around 90% condition. It essentially became the Official Police, but there are a few insignificant cosmetic differences. I paid $450 for mine around ten years ago. I have not followed current prices, but I would guess going prices for one like mine would now be in the $800-1000 range. I also have a nicer .32-20 OP that I wouldn't part with for less than $1000.

 

[YouveHadYour6]

I'll confess something - I'm more of a Colt guy than a Smith guy at heart...that admitted, an Army Special in the grade you describe, IF the action is 100%, I would not hesitate to lay down the ask for. Also examine the grips closely and check for hairlines especially near the screw if the older gutta-percha type as well; these were prone to drying and cracking or chipping (or both) in certain conditions over the years.

I've had many of this general line and until very recently carried an old re-blue Commando (the WWII service version of this general revolver) as the 'truck' gun - finally sold that to a collector who needed one to fill the Commando slot in his collection. Worn even on the reblue, but bank-vault lockup. Probably one of the most accurate fixed sight .38s I've owned - I've little doubt it's another I'll regret letting go.

If you enjoy Colt DA revolvers at all, I doubt you'll regret it - and as it is the .38 special, worse case scenario it'll be an easier re-sale than the other, more rare calibers. While their rarity helps value, most times I see the .38s and especially .357s (of other models) go quicker than the unusual ones when put up for resale.

My recent Commando from '43

 

[SoCal43]

my colt police positive

 

[firefighterjohn]

Thank you all for the great analysis and advice. I went back to the LGS store today to give it another look and compare it to the S&Ws I really like in my collection. I decided to let it go and concentrate more on any S&W revolvers that might come along. The fact that I don't have any other Colts but many S&Ws and fewer Rugers made the decision easier.

 

[VaTom]

My Colt Official Police (1956). I have posted pics before but really proud of this one. My only Colt revolver. Was only firearm in an estate auction about 10 years ago and once I saw the excellent condition and appeared used very little I had to have it. Tight, smooth, accurate.

 

[Model19man]

Also examine the grips closely and check for hairlines especially near the screw if the older gutta-percha

Colt, like S&W never used gutta percha for grip material so your comments are mis - informed. Colt and S&W only used hard rubber. Different plant. Much better grips.

 

[DWalt]

One good thing about my 1912 Colt .32-20 AS is that its black hard rubber grips show nearly no wear signs.