Pre-War Officers Model - Info?

[weagle99]

I have included a few pics of an Officers Model that I recently came across. It is chambered in .38 Spl. and the S/N is 6465XX.

Mr. Best provided me with some information on this revolver, and I am posting these pics both for him to review and for all of you. Perhaps someone has experience with this particular variation? Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks-

[Bushwhacker]

Looks like an OM that went across the pond as a lend-lease gun during the war. The broad arrow and pennants show British acceptance, and the /380 indicates it was converted from .38 Special to .38-200 by the Brits. I've never seen the large Frankford Arsenal markings on a topstrap before.
The barrel length (4 1/2?) makes it desireable in itself.

A nice find for both the Colt and military collector [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[tommix]

Check out the book, "US Handguns of World War II", by Charles W. Pate. On page 115, there is a photo of OMT # 646847, with 7 1/2" bbl. that went to Europe in the Lend Lease program, close to your serial #.

On the next page, 116, a sampling of British Purchasing Commission records for 1940-1942 shows shipments of 30 "Officers Model" .38, 4 1/2" bbls.on May 28, l940 and 20 "Officers Model Targets" .38 4" bbls. on May 28, 1940 also.

I wonder whether your OMT went to Frankford Arsenal for a short stay and was rerouted to Britain, the finish, as on Commando models, could suggest issuance to civilian guards, as at Frankford Arsenal.

Very interesting OMT, maybe also an example of Colt using up leftover and unpopular barrel lengths. Any other marks on the gun, like backstrap or butt? Your pictures are excellent...

[weagle99]

Thanks for the info. The only other marks on the 'outside' of the gun is the Colt 'VP' mark on the front of the trigger guard as well as a 'Y' stamped on the back of the trigger guard. I was assuming these were both Colt assembly marks.

There are numerous, seemingly unrelated letters stamped on the frame underneath the stocks. I didn't take a picture of those but could if that photo might be useful.

One other thing to note that might not be obvious from the pics is that the trigger and edge of the hammer are still bright blue.

Very interesting to think that this gun could be part of such a small shipment to Britain. Any ideas where I might find a period correct lanyard ring?

[tommix]

Numrich/Gun Parts Corp.has new reproduction lanyards and swivels in a very recent catalog, they are about $21. Apparently there is only one type on those prewar models, same as on all the New Services....

[COLTDAGUY]

Hi Weagle99,

Thanks for sending the PM... I've just been busy and haven't had time to log into the forum ....

I think Tommix gave you all of the details on your OM and the correct reference in Charlie Pate's book. The information in Charlie's book is from the national archives and is also backed up by data in the British archives, so is accurate. Your gun is marked like mine (No Fkd Arsenal on mine though). My gun is high polish blue with 7 1/2 inch barrel though... Your gun is an interesting variation and would have interest from both the OM collector's and the military collectors... Thanks for posting the photos! Bob

[weagle99]

Thanks everyone for the information on this old warhorse.

[COLTDAGUY]

Hi Wiggle99,

Just got back from the Reno Gun Show. I found an interesting 4 inch barreled Officer's Model revolver at the show. It is serial numbered in the 650xxx serial number range and does not have any British or military markings... probably a wartime civilian purchase.It is blued rather than phosphated... It appears Colt used up all of the excess parts they had laying around! Bob Best

[Addicted]

Interesting gun Bob. I have a war time Commando that is blued and it appears to be legit. I haven't lettered it, I don't think Colt will awknowledge a Commando leaving the factory with a blued finish. I posted a photo a couple of years ago.

[thecoltguy]

Weagle, What is the barrel length on this gun? 4" or 4 1/2". Looks like a 4". Thanks, Cam.