As I recall, most of the compact guns of that period including even the Cobra had that dull finish on many parts. It is quite attractive, in my opinion. I have several DS's but only one Cobra with that appearance.
Colt Detective Special 32 Colt NP
This pistol is in absolutely new condition with no cylinder or cylinder latch drag marks. It has not been refinished. The serial nbr is 608884, indicating 1952 manufacture. The thing that I have never seen or heard of is the bottom and top surfaces of the frame are finished in a dull brushed blue similar to a S&W Highway Patrolman. Also the inside surfaces of the frame that house the cylinder have a brushed finish not unlike being smooth parkerized. The brushed finish is so perfect that I believe it was applied by Colt on likely surfaces that rust.
I have no photos to post yet but will as soon as I get things working on my new PC.
Has anyone heard of this ?
Jack
I have no photos to post yet but will as soon as I get things working on my new PC.
Has anyone heard of this ?
Jack
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
Thanks for the positive reply. I thought I would be bombarded with "It's a refinish". I have an extensive Colt collection among other makes and at 77 years old with considerable firearms knowledge I stand behind what I stated.As I recall, most of the compact guns of that period including even the Cobra had that dull finish on many parts. It is quite attractive, in my opinion. I have several DS's but only one Cobra with that appearance.
Jack
Post war Colt revolvers were finished in what was advertised as "dual tone" finish up to about 1954. And it included the areas described in the original post.
Not just 2 inch barrel snubbys. All Colt revolvers from 1947 through the end of 1954 were manufactured with the dual tone finish. So were the Govt. Models of that period. They also were manufactured with plastic stocks called Coltwood stocks by the company. These are the two easiest to spot characteristics of Colt handguns made during this era. Dual tone finish and Coltwood stocks were discontinued in the revolver line beginning in 1955. The dual tone treatment and the Coltwood plastic stocks were continued with the Govt. Model pistols until the Series 70s pistols came out. At that time the dual tone finish was retained, but Colt returned to wood stocks for the Govt. Model .As I recall, most of the compact guns of that period including even the Cobra had that dull finish on many parts. It is quite attractive, in my opinion. I have several DS's but only one Cobra with that appearance.
HTH
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
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