Understanding the Colt Police Positive Special
A Rich History
The Colt Police Positive Special revolver stands as a significant piece of American firearms history. Revered for its reliability and accuracy, it served law enforcement and civilians alike, leaving an enduring legacy.
But beyond its historical importance and the satisfaction of ownership, lies a crucial aspect for any Colt Police Positive Special owner, collector, or researcher: understanding its origins through its serial number. This guide provides a comprehensive approach to uncovering the story held within your Colt Police Positive Special’s serial number, offering insights into its manufacturing date and other important details.
The Colt Police Positive Special, introduced in the early 20th century, quickly gained popularity. Colt designed the revolver with a reinforced frame specifically to chamber the more potent .38 Special cartridge. This upgrade distinguished it from the earlier Colt Police Positive, which was chambered in .38 Colt. The “Special” designation clearly indicated the firearm’s capability to handle the higher pressure rounds. Its sturdy construction, coupled with its comfortable grip and ease of use, quickly attracted attention from police departments nationwide.
The revolver found extensive use in the hands of law enforcement professionals, becoming a reliable sidearm for countless officers. Alongside its use by law enforcement, the Colt Police Positive Special also found its way into the hands of civilians for personal protection and target shooting, solidifying its place as a versatile firearm. The revolver’s impact is further evidenced by its presence in historical records, films, and other media, solidifying its iconic status.
Why Serial Number Lookup Matters
Why delve into the serial number lookup? The serial number unlocks a wealth of information. It provides the year of manufacture, which helps authenticate the firearm. Authenticity is vital for collectors, as it impacts both historical value and potential sale price. An authentic, original revolver is significantly more valuable than one with questionable origins or altered parts.
Beyond authenticity, determining the manufacturing date helps assess the condition of the revolver. The date offers a contextual framework, assisting the owner in understanding its history. This historical background helps guide decisions concerning maintenance, potential restoration work, and the overall preservation of the firearm.
Moreover, looking up the serial number contributes to identifying potential issues. Sometimes, serial numbers are linked to manufacturer recalls or known production flaws. By researching the serial number, owners can safeguard themselves by accessing available safety information, increasing responsible firearm ownership. Finally, an understanding of the revolver’s manufacture year often contributes to better assessing its value.
Locating the Serial Number
Finding the Number
Finding the serial number is the crucial first step in unlocking the Colt Police Positive Special’s story. The location is usually on the frame of the gun, near the cylinder crane. When the cylinder is swung open, you will usually see the number stamped on the frame. Other common locations include the inside of the crane itself.
Another potential place to look is on the cylinder itself, on the flat surface. However, not all revolvers will have the number stamped there. Finally, some Police Positive Specials, particularly those manufactured earlier, may have the serial number stamped on the underside of the butt of the grip frame.
Cleaning and Preparation
Before searching, consider cleaning the area. Gently use a soft cloth and a little gun oil or even rubbing alcohol to remove any debris or grime that may be obscuring the number. This cleaning step may reveal the number. Always use caution when handling the firearm, ensuring it is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction throughout the cleaning process.
Dealing with Difficulties
If the number proves difficult to locate, carefully utilize a flashlight. Casting the light at different angles may help reveal the stamped impressions. Sometimes, the shallowest markings are difficult to see. You can also take pictures using a smartphone camera. Taking multiple pictures at different angles can aid in readability.
If these methods prove unsuccessful, consult a gunsmith. A professional gunsmith has the tools and experience to expertly clean, inspect, and even reveal difficult-to-find markings on firearms. A gunsmith can also provide valuable insights into the revolver’s condition and potential value.
Decoding the Serial Number
The Colt System
The Colt factory utilized a specific serial numbering system. It wasn’t a continuous numbering, rather, serial numbers often fell within pre-defined ranges based on the year of production. Understanding the system enables the decoding of your Colt Police Positive Special’s manufacturing year.
The serial number system helps determine the date of manufacture. This information is crucial for collectors and anyone interested in understanding the history of their firearm. While the method might vary across Colt models, the basic system applied to the Police Positive Special requires you to consult specific tables or online resources.
Resources for Lookup
Utilizing dedicated online resources is key. Several websites and databases specialize in providing serial number lookup information for Colt firearms. These resources compile data from historical records and provide detailed information on the manufacturing year of various Colt models. Searching “Colt serial number lookup” or “Colt Police Positive Special manufacturing date” in your preferred search engine is an easy starting point.
When using these resources, carefully enter the serial number of your revolver. The website will typically display the manufacturing year based on the database’s records. While these databases are generally accurate, keep in mind potential limitations. Gaps in the records or inconsistencies may exist, particularly for firearms from certain periods. In such cases, the estimated production year might have a degree of uncertainty.
Examples
For example, let’s say the serial number is 123456. You will typically enter this number into the search tool. After entering the information, the lookup tool would likely indicate the production year. For example, the lookup result might show a manufacturing date from 1926.
Another example involves a serial number like 789012. Similarly, inputting this number into a reliable lookup tool would return the manufacturing year for that serial number. The result might show the revolver was manufactured in 1967.
These examples illustrate how the lookup tool helps decode the serial number. Remember to be patient during the process, and double-check any search results, in case you need to confirm production.
Colt Factory Letters
Beyond looking at the serial number, if you are keen to learn every detail about a certain Colt firearm, including production details, materials, and any factory alterations, a Colt factory letter is the ultimate resource. This official document, issued by Colt, provides a complete breakdown of the gun.
Additional Considerations
Variations and Models
Once you have successfully found your Colt Police Positive Special’s serial number and deciphered its manufacturing date, additional considerations are worth noting. Specific models and variations exist within the Police Positive Special family. Barrel lengths, finishes, and specialized models can drastically affect a revolver’s value and collector interest.
For instance, certain models might feature factory modifications or markings, further increasing their desirability to collectors. If you possess a Colt Police Positive Special, you might identify it as a “Target” model, “Heavy Barrel” model or another variant. These models often command a higher value compared to standard production models. Serial number lookups and additional research can assist in recognizing these variations.
Preservation and Maintenance
Proper preservation of your Colt Police Positive Special is key to preserving its value and functionality. Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential. Regularly clean the gun with a solvent designed for firearms, carefully removing any debris or build-up. After cleaning, apply a light coat of oil to protect the metal components. Store the revolver in a secure location, away from moisture, extreme temperatures, and sunlight.
Legal and Safety Issues
Remember to always handle your Colt Police Positive Special safely. Always treat the firearm as if it’s loaded, even when you are certain it isn’t. Never point the firearm at anything you are not prepared to destroy. Always follow all firearm safety rules when handling any gun.
Additionally, understanding local and federal regulations regarding firearm ownership is a must. Be certain you have proper licensing, comply with any registration requirements, and understand any restrictions in your area. Furthermore, be mindful of the specific laws governing the sale, transfer, or inheritance of your revolver.
Conclusion
The Colt Police Positive Special stands as a remarkable firearm. By exploring the Colt Police Positive Special serial number, you unlock valuable insights into its history, authenticity, and value. Take advantage of the resources detailed in this guide.
Remember that serial number lookup is not just a step for collectors, but rather an important procedure for responsible owners, researchers, and those interested in the Colt Police Positive Special’s heritage.
Continue learning and exploring your firearm’s history. Consider researching other historical Colt firearms and the unique stories behind them. Your journey into the world of Colt firearms is just beginning.
