Interesting Police Positive Snub

[elliotf]

I picked up this very interesting Police Positive 2.5" snub that I am trying to fiqure out what it is. The S/N 31507X and the serrated top strap make it a post 1927 revolver but the barrel last patent date of 1905 makes it a pre 1927 revolver. The barrel is legit and the blueing matches the frame perfectly. There is no indication of a refinish. Below are some pictures and yes it needs a good clean up.

Is this some type transition Police Positive? or, what is it? TIA

[Colt75]

The transition from the lighter "G Frame" to the slightly heavier "C Frame" came in about 1926. This might be a transition gun with some features of both types. Just my best guess. Good looking little Colt.

[Blademan]

Nice find Elliot,
I really like the look of that piece. I might have to send you some emails later!!! LOL!

[Rock]

Beautiful find.

[Oyeboten]

Yes, if memory serve, the .32 PPs were available in that Barrel Length...though the .38s were not. ( Or were not until long later, and or maybe not even then ).


It's beautiful!!

[muddyboot]

Sweet revolver, would have been hard to pass that one up, congrats.

[elliotf]

Thanks guys, however after reading through all the links that A1A provided on this S/N range, and the possibility a .32 on a .38 frame, I am still confused.

Is there a way to measure something to see if this is a .38 frame? or do I just pay the piper and get it lettered?

Thanks again,

[Oyeboten]

I think ( I hope I am remembering this right! Way over tired today...) the PP as such, used the same Frame for both the .32 and .38 NP Calibres/Cartridges/Chamberings.

The .22 PP Target Model was available in a smaller Frame.

The PPS as such, used the same Frame for .32-20 and .38 Special Cartridges/Chamberings.

[elliotf]

Thank you Oyeboten

[bayouboy]

Elliot:

What you have is known as a "32 on a 38 frame". Colt made the 2.5 inch Police Positive in two frame sizes the 32 and the 38. The 32 frame is a tiny gun (the same size as the Pocket Positive only with a longer grip frame). The 38 frame (your gun) is much more of a full sized gun (the same size as the Banker's Special).

Here is a recent discussion in which one of our members, thecoltguy, was kind enough to share pictures of both frame sizes: http://www.coltforum.com/forums/colt...rca-1930s.html The thread has some good info about these interesting little guns.

As to the 1905 patent date, here is a pic of one of mine. It too has the 1905 date although the gun obviously dates after 1926. My best guess is that Colt was just using old barrel inventory since there was a very limited run of these guns.