COLT Police Positive .32 S&W Revolver First Issue V.P.D. 1911 C&R
SOLD FOR: $711.99
WOA#: WY240208WK005
Make: Colt
Model: Police Positive, First Issue
Serial Number: 86524
Year of Manufacture: 1911 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .32 S&W Long, .32 Police
Action Type: Single Action/Double Action with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “POLICE / POSITIVE – 32 POLICE CTG.”. The Crane Cut is marked “86524 / T”. The crane is marked “86524”. There are some inspection marks on the left side of the grip frame. The side plate is marked with a Colt Rampant. Both grips are have “COLT” molded at their tops. THe bottom of the grip is marked “V.P.D. (Most likely for Vancouver Police Department).
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights: The revolver has a u-notch in the top strap for a rear sight. The front sight is a semi-circle fixed blade on the barrel.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are Colt two-piece checkered hard rubber panels, each with COLT molded at their tops. Both panels have some light handling wear on the peaks. The checkering is still well defined. There is a chunk missing out of the back of the left grip. Overall, the grips are in Fair condition given its age.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There are some patches of erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6.5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 65% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning on the leading edges. Most of the finish loss is around the muzzle, front sight, trigger guard, and grip frome where the metal has been nearly worn to white and taken a patina. The cylinder has a turn line that is thin but jagged slightly. Screws are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition as original C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. The double action is smooth, and the single action is light and crisp. There is little to no play on all of the chambers upon lockup. The mechanics are excellent. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Colt Police Positive in .32 caliber, manufactured in 1911, is a true classic in the realm of revolvers, embodying the innovation and craftsmanship of early 20th-century American firearms design. At a time when law enforcement agencies were seeking more reliable and effective sidearms, the Police Positive stood out for its precision engineering and the innovative Positive Lock safety feature, which prevented accidental discharge and set new standards in firearm safety. Its .32 caliber chambering was popular for its manageable recoil and effectiveness, making it a favored choice among police officers and civilians alike. This first model, produced in 1911, carries with it the history of a bygone era, a period marked by an industiral boom leading to the roaring twenties, reflecting a time of significant social and economic change as well as firearms technology. Collectors and enthusiasts prize these revolvers not only for their historical significance but also for their craftsmanship, durability, and the legacy of the Colt brand. This Colt Police Positive is more than a firearm; it’s a piece of history, representing a pivotal moment in both law enforcement and American gun manufacturing. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
