[saipan59]

Hi, just joined this forum, and just got my first Colt the other day (not counting an AR-15 SP1).
It is an Official Police, from 1950, 6" barrel.
Plenty of holster wear and other cosmetic issues, but bore and such look really nice.
Left-front of guard has the "VP" in a triangle stamp, left-rear is "4". Cylinder release is smooth; hammer and trigger are grooved (not checkered).
Right side panel has an engraving that appears to say "De Los Morehouse", in cursive.
Right front has a Masonic symbol.
Original stocks are missing; the stocks are walnut, somewhat oversized, and carved in a floral pattern (maybe a daffodil), with 3 finger grooves in the left stock. I think the stocks are very ugly, but they work well with my large hands.

My question is:
I've read about many OP's being delivered to Mexico and South America, so I'm wondering if mine is likely one of those, with the hint of the Spanish-language engraving?
Do the stocks mean anything to anybody? Or the Masonic symbol?
Does the 6" barrel indicated anything about who it was likely delivered to (I assume that it would not be very common for most police forces)?
Any comments welcome!

Thanks, Pete

 

[kenhwind]

Welcome to the forum.
PICTURES; PICTURES; PICTURES!!!

Please post some photos, we like photos here.

 

[saipan59]

Pictures attached. A forum member kindly pointed out to me that the LDS genealogy database records a Mr. Delos Morehouse, born in Illinois about 1909.
Pete

 

[Jimbo100]

I found him on the 1940 U.S. census in Oregon. Looking at the actual page image it appears he was a line foreman for the telephone company but my eyes may deceive me there. There are a couple of earlier Delos and Deloss Morehouse men shown on Find A Grave.com. so that given name may run in the Morehouse family.

 

[skilled]

Very interesting Stocks on it for sure.

 

[saintclair]

You can tell if was someones favorite revolver!

 

[saipan59]

I found him on the 1940 U.S. census in Oregon. Looking at the actual page image it appears he was a line foreman for the telephone company but my eyes may deceive me there. There are a couple of earlier Delos and Deloss Morehouse men shown on Find A Grave.com. so that given name may run in the Morehouse family.

I agree - I poked around last night, and found him in the 1930 and 1940 census. The "Oregon" in the 1940 census is actually a township in Illinois, so I suspect he stayed in the same area. Unfortunately, the 1950 census data won't be publicly available until 2022 - then I can see where he was when the Colt was made (assuming that he is the original owner).
I'm really glad to know some (possible) history for the gun.

 

[saipan59]

I did some work on the stocks - mellowed out the carving, then linseed oil.