Looks to be a commercial Colt proofed at Woolwich Arsenal - some were contacted, some were donated, so it's up to you on the Letter.

There are no 'Broad Arrow' acceptance marks.

A lanyard loop 'can' be found, and should be.

 

Thank you!

 

I think dogface6 meant to say this revolver was donated to the British sometime during or before WWII - it was originally chambered for 38 Smith and Wesson (not Special). It likely was issued then proofed after the war, then returned to the USA. Which would explain the absence of the Broad Arrow military marking.

I would only use 38 S&W ammunition.

 

Thank you for clarification. The ammo seems evasive but I will continue looking. Also the lanyard loop would be nice to find. I think I have a new hobby…..

 

You can buy a Colt Archive letter which will detail everything Colt knowns about the gun when it was shipped........

Archive Services - Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC

ARCHIVE SERVICES Preserve Your Colt’s History The Colt Archive Letter Considered one of the most unique and prestigious services offered for Colt firearms, the Archive Letter is universally recognized as an unparalleled investment in firearms collecting. These Colt Historians will search through...

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If the gun is chambered for the .38-200 (also known as the .38 S&W, and called the .38 New Police by Colt) a .38 Special cartridge will not chamber in it.

Note that after WWII a lot of S&W Victory Model revolvers chambered in .38-200 and given to Britain were brought back to the US and many were rechambered to .38 Special.
These were usually not very accurate and often split cases, but were safe to fire.
It's not unheard of for Colt's to have been also rechambered, although Colt Official Police models in 38-200 are not common revolvers.

 

Was hoping to get website for the archive letter..thank you!!

 

It's possible someone reamed the revolver for 38 Special - but it will still have the ability to fire and fit 38 S&W which is what I would do.

 

I will stick to the original S&W .38. Thank you!

 

Nice revolver and wonderful piece of history. Put a lanyard ring on it and enjoy shooting it. .38 S&W should be fine. Wish I had one.

 

Thank you!! Finding the lanyard ring could be challenging!

 

It's highly likely that it's still .38 S&W, which uses a case several thousandths larger than .38 Special IIRC. Rechambering really isn't possible (safely)

 

Thank you. I am going to order some S&W .38 and see how they fit…

 

Nice OP and welcome to the forum! Here is the info for ordering a letter. It is about a 4 1/2 month wait but please post when you get it.

Colt Firearms | Buy, Sell & Consign | Colt Archive Properties

Every Colt's story begins here. For online archive letter orders, pricing, and model availability of Colt Firearms contact us today!

coltarchives.com

 

Thank you! Definitely want to order one.

 

Colt Revolver Blue Grip Lanyard Loop, Factory.

 

Thank you! Gonna be tough to find the lanyard ring for the .38-200, but I got time….

 

I don’t have a 38-200 / 38 S&W revolver at present. However I think it’s possible to chamber a 38special in the Colt or S&W service type revolvers. This should not be done. The smaller pocket pistols in 38S&W would not have cylinders long enough to accept a 38sp cartridge, therefore easy to see. Reverse is not possible because a 38S&W will not chamber in a 38sp or 357mag. The 38 S&W is bigger in diameter, bullet approx .360”.
Ammo use to be reasonable but last I heard a guy bought a box at Cabelas at $52 and change for 50rds. Just about twice 38sp price. All revolver ammo is high, unless you got a 9mm or 45acp model.

 

Thank you! Just part of having an obsolete item. I have the same problem with my 72 Norton motorcycle, my 1868 Enfield rifle. I am used to chasing parts, and it’s worth it. This was my grandfathers pistol, so it is worth the effort.

 

Get a Letter.. the number I see is 661845 and this could be around 1941 and some official British order - no Batlte of Britain gun from 1940
peter

 

Get a Letter.. the number I see is 661845 and this could be around 1941 and somme official British order.
peter

I agree. Thank you!

 

Welcome to the COLT Forum from the Cradle Of Liberty...Pennsylvania !!

Enjoy Our Community Sir... and my condolences on the loss of your Grandfather. Enjoy His Legacy through Your Family Heirloom.

.

 

Thank you very much!

 

Greetings:

The Colt Official Police guns in .38-200 caliber were neither "commercial guns" nor were they "donated" to the British. They were obtained by sale from Colt to the British Purchasing Commission in 1941. 18,250 such revolvers guns were sold to the BPC. They pre-dated the Lend Lease Act so are not properly considered as Lend Lease guns. As reflected by the barrel marking these .38-200 guns were the only Official Police variant ever offered in that caliber. All had 5 inch barrels. The number on the butt was applied by Woolwich Arsenal as a rack or inventory number. They are interesting martial arms that appeal to both Colt collectors as well as military arms enthusiasts.

The images below are old ones that depicts one of the .38-200 Colts in my collection.




Regards,
Charlie Flick

 

Thank you! I am really glad you chimed in! Some of the other posts I read consider you as the most knowledgeable person on these guns. Thank you so much for your information. Mine has a lot of nicks and wear, but I consider that as part of its personality. The action is tight and crisp, so I’ll clean it up as is. Again, thank you!

 

I bought one off of Gunbroker several years ago. The cylinder chambers had been reamed. It was a consignment item and the seller was going by what the consignee told him. There was a price adjustment so I've kept it and I'm happy. I sent for a letter and here's what I received in reply:

Dan on the Texas coast

 

Thank you!

 

Gun Parts Corp sell good quality replicas of the swivel and the pin..........

Lanyard Swivel, Blued Steel, New Reproduction

COLT 1917, NEW SERVICE Lanyard Swivel, Blued Steel, New Reproduction

www.gunpartscorp.com

 

Thank you so much! I can’t believe how easy you guys are making this! This is a gold nugget, thank you!