Some Thoughts On The Police Positive

[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.   

[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.