Special Interests - Groups & Societies > Colt Firearms

Some Thoughts On The Police Positive

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Danny Bear Claw:
The first one I ever saw was at a flea market.  The guy said it was made around 1920.  Caliber was 32-20, and he said they weren't making ammo for it anymore.  (In fact, I knew 32-20 ammo was back in production at that time, but I didn't tell him that).  He was asking $250 for the gun.  I talked him down to $200 but in the end passed on it.  I've been kicking myself over that decision ever since.
The next one I saw was in the local gun shop.  It was made in 1928, and this one was caliber 38 special.  I bought it for $225.  It has a 5 inch barrel, pearl grips, (not sure if grips are factory original).  The first thing that impressed me was that it has a very small frame for a 38.  There is some holster wear on the blued finish, but I'm sure it's been carried in quite a few holsters since 1928.  The action is crisp and tight and it shoots well.  Shoots better with lead bullets as opposed to jacketed type ammo.  I thought about sending it off to Turnbull for rebuild and restoration but am not sure it is worth the $2000 price he quoted me over the phone.  I'm still thinking about it.   ???   :-\
My Dad had one like it years ago but his had the bigger frame like Barney Fife's.  It was a 38 also.   8)

St. George:
I wouldn't...

For 'that' kind of money, you can buy an original still in its box - and in the case of the ubiquitous Police Positive - you can buy several.

All that you really have after something's been to a 'restoration specialist' is a refinished used gun.

Sure, it's pretty - but it's still a refinished piece, where the value lies in originality.

That's how any dealer sees it and how any potential buyer does, as well.

Just keep your eyes open - there are a 'lot' of older Police Positives out there and they're reasonably priced, too.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

Danny Bear Claw:
I'm leaning toward not doing it.  Mostly 'cause I know when the smoke clears away it won't be worth the $2000 I put into it.  I agree with you St. George... it would be a real pretty, used gun but still just a used gun nonetheless. 
I am aware Colts are worth more to collectors in their original condition regardless of what that condition is.   ;)

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St. George:
Good.

There were a helluva lot of Police Positives built, and many, many of them stayed in their boxes inside drawers and guarding bureaus.

Look for one of those and you'll be happy - 'plus' you'll have a collector's piece that you can shoot.

Personally, I always liked the older square-butt style with the hard-rubber grips and the stylized 'C' on them - though if I were going to pursue an older small-framed Colt right now - I'd be looking for a Banker's Special in .22.

Good Luck!

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

Shotgun Franklin:
I never touch a gun, as in restoring, until I've checked the history as close as I can. I once stubbled across a S&W than was used by the NYDP 'Women's Unit'. I made a handy profit on that gun.

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