Found a 1950 Colt .38 at local pawn shop. Serial checked out as a 1950 Officer model, six inch heavy barrel, genuine wear so it hadn't been re-blued and tattoe'd by some home grown "craftsman". Had smooth wooden grips, not checkered, and on the right grip was a gold star that said "California Highway Patrol." Figured it would sit just fine next to the 28-2 and -3 in the safe, so I picked it up. Little freckling and wear, about 70% bluing remaining, nice clean barrel.
Colt "Highway Patrolman"....
- Thread starter Ron M.
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Jes sayin'........
It was just pawned, so I have to wait another 26 days before I can fill out the DROS, then another ten day wait. Welcome to CA...oh, if anyone asks, I got it for $375....it was someone's Grandfather who owned the gun, who was a CA Highway Patrolman at one time, and the grand kid pawned it...such a crime!
DWalt
Member
If it is truly from 1950, it would probably be the Officer's Model Special, a rather scarce variation of the Officer's Model made for only about three years, and replaced by the Officer's Model Match in 1953. You did very well for $375.
Verified through Colt website, it is the Officer's Model special. S/N was right on for that description. Had no idea they were scarce, thanks for the input. What sold me was the gold star emblem, everything else good about it is gravy!
codenamedave
Member
I hate you.
Great example of something that caught your eye turning out to be gold. Did you try to find out the whole story behind the shield, like was the gun a presentation, or maybe the owner had it done up to commemorate his service?
I think when I'm really retired, as opposed to being unemployed, I'm going to spend a lot of time cruising between gun stores and pawn shops and the like. Gotta get me some of these stories!
I'm totally stealing that pic.
Great example of something that caught your eye turning out to be gold. Did you try to find out the whole story behind the shield, like was the gun a presentation, or maybe the owner had it done up to commemorate his service?
I think when I'm really retired, as opposed to being unemployed, I'm going to spend a lot of time cruising between gun stores and pawn shops and the like. Gotta get me some of these stories!
I'm totally stealing that pic.
I hate you.
Great example of something that caught your eye turning out to be gold. Did you try to find out the whole story behind the shield, like was the gun a presentation, or maybe the owner had it done up to commemorate his service?
I think when I'm really retired, as opposed to being unemployed, I'm going to spend a lot of time cruising between gun stores and pawn shops and the like. Gotta get me some of these stories!
I'm totally stealing that pic.
When I saw that little gold star, placed where the Colt logo would have been on the grip, I had to ask the pawn guy to read it forme..one downside of retirement, your arms don't get long enough to read small print anymore....
PPS1980
Member
Sounds like a great find. Sorry you have to wait so long.
This pawn shop is hit or miss. Sometimes a good find appears (the Colt, a 1946 M&P .38 for $400) but others are overpriced and modified beyond any collector value, like missing front sights, or an old model Bearcat with no cylinder. I hit them about once a week, and if I find something, I usually haggle a bit and buy it on the spot. They have a pair of Collector Colt commemorative Frontiersman on display in boxes, but $650 and $850 price tags go against my inherent cheapness.
SLT223
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Only the one pic of the subject model of revolver but you can read about the model here:
Officer's Model
The picture in the article about the fourth model special differs from mine in that the rear sights on mine look more like those on the third model, and the front one has no ramp...hmmm.
You are going to need to post a pic. If you can't figure out how to post pic's, PM me and I'll forward my email address and I can post them for you.
Appreciate the offer, regarding posting photos, but the revolver is in the pawn shop safe until 7/03, it takes 30 days to clear for actual sale once received/purchased at the shop, then ten more days before I can take possession. Will post pics ASAP. Will also verify S/N since I took the seller's word, I couldn't read it without bifocals.
Thank you, sir
So, won't they let you take a couple of pics while WE'RE waiting???
They kind of frown on people taking photos in the store...they ain't the Pawn Stars....
BigBill
Absent Comrade
Here's what I found,,
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa32/mrhappym1a/shotgun choices/4_zpsa202827f.jpg
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa32/mrhappym1a/shotgun choices/4_zpsa202827f.jpg
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