A small Colt Police Positive Collection...

thegundude · 12-16-2007, 06:45 PM

I happen to have taken a fancy to the old Colt Police Positive. I only have them in three calibers so far, but I have time...

Here are the .32 calibers...

These are the .38 Specials...

And here are my .38s, seven in all.

And as a group shot.

lugerholsterrepair · 12-16-2007, 07:07 PM

Steve, This was a time when America's workforce took pride in making a quality pistol. Colt produced a mighty fine one in those days. It was pretty much the standard Police sidearm for many years. Nice collection!
Jerry Burney

Edward Tinker · 12-16-2007, 07:41 PM

Very nice Steve

Ed

thegundude · 12-16-2007, 08:54 PM

Thanks, guys. I love those old Colts. They just don't make 'me like that any more. I'm always reminded of the old black and white cop movies where the "G Man" shoots the bad guy from the hip with a Colt PP.

paradox998 · 12-16-2007, 10:25 PM

Hi Steve:

The group shot is most impressive. That is a very nice collection.

I have an old 6" New Police DA 32 in which the cylinder does not lock. I was given the gun and don't know a lot about colts. The barrel is good, finish is mostly worn away with no rust and perfect grips. Any advice on whether it is worth having fixed? If you would prefer to email me, my address is cpdog@yahoo.com.

Thanks
Hal

thegundude · 12-17-2007, 08:47 AM

Hi Hal!

IMHO, it is worth fixing but only as a shooter. Take to a reputable 'smith and I'm sure he'll be able to get it back up and running again.

.32 ammo isn't as available or cheap as it once was but it would still be fun to plink with.

Mauser720 · 12-17-2007, 10:42 AM

Hal -

The 2002 edition of "The Blue Book of Gun Values" lists the Colt New Police as being worth $145.00 even if it only has 10% of its finish left.

For ammo you might try www.ows-ammunition.com

Mauser720 - Ron

Mauser720 - Ron

383 magnum · 12-20-2007, 09:19 AM

Nice collection! Vintage American guns are my second choice after WW II firearms, but unfortunately, I cannot collect them all!

thegundude · 12-20-2007, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 383 magnum
... but unfortunately, I cannot collect them all!

AMEN, brother! That's the sad, depressing realization to which I'm just coming. Woe is me...

But I can try...

Hugh · 12-20-2007, 07:20 PM

Steve, you pulled my trigger on this one, here are a few of mine:
32-20 PP Specials:

32 & 22 PP Targets:

38 Spl PP engraved:

And of course you know that the Detective Special is just a Police Positive with a short bbl:

38 Spl DS 3":

38 Spl DS engraved:

thegundude · 12-20-2007, 08:31 PM

Wow, Hugh! Nice!!

I really like the engraved guns. I dont' have any that are engraved or nickled at all... nor any of the .22 persuasion...

Edward Tinker · 12-20-2007, 08:37 PM

hey Steve, any of these about the value of a holster?

I looked at everything and I have one "extra" yucky police holster but some nicer holsters too

Nice collection of Colts, I like them (although I don't have one); I shot a 38 special example as a kid with my uncle.

thegundude · 12-20-2007, 10:45 PM

Thanks, Ed. I think some of them might be around the neighborhood of yucky holsters. Some might be a tad higher...

383 magnum · 12-20-2007, 11:57 PM

I have one Police Positive Special and one Official Police in .22 caliber. After seeing these pictures, I'm thinking I need more. (LOL) The prices of these are sure reasonable compared to a lot of other firearms.

Hugh · 12-21-2007, 01:40 AM

Steve,
The hard one to find is the 32 Colt Target Model, the 22RF and 22WRF Targets are much easier. However, I haven't got a 22WRF yet.

John Sabato · 12-21-2007, 10:02 AM

Okay all you Colt wheel gun collectors and historians...

I have a blue Colt Trooper (Not Mark III) with a 4 inch barrel that I have owned for 38 years... I bought it from an old army sergeant that I worked for back in 1968. I have no idea how long he owned it, but told me it used to belong to his father. It was and is in pretty nice shape. It is exactly the same frame and bulk as the .357 Trooper of the same vintage. I paid $45.00 cash for it... the guy wanted to buy one of them new fangled CB radios and didn't have the money... It was a budget stretcher for the young E-4 that I was, but I managed to pull it off by skipping a few meals that month...

Does anyone have any idea when it might have been made and what it might be worth (ballpark estimate)?

I have never seen one like it, even at all the gun shows I have ever attended... (More than I can count)...

About 20 years ago, a fellow I was talking guns with offered me about $500 for it sight unseen... I wasn't interested in selling it, then or now, but would like to know what this gun might be worth today...

If anyone is interested, I will dig it out of the safe and post some photos...

thegundude · 12-21-2007, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by John Sabato
If anyone is interested, I will dig it out of the safe and post some photos...

LOL! That's a joke, right? Heck yeah we want to see pictures!!

I'm not much of a reliable historian on Colts (or Lugers or anything else, for that matter) so I can't be of much assistance in your search for information.

I did buy a book on Colt revolvers once, though I've never read it. I should do that soon and see if I can find anything about yours...

minigun · 12-21-2007, 11:15 PM

Very nice display and thanks for sharing.

I'd agree that when these were built, America was a far different place in work ethic and such. Back then I'd even say that U.S. firearms were on par with the quality of German firearms. Now it is not the case by a wide margin.

Hugh · 12-22-2007, 02:07 AM

John,

Colt Trooper (not MKIII) made 1953-1969, in 22 cal (rare), 357 Mag, & 38 Spl, 4 & 6 in bbls, blue & nickel.

The Blue Book lists values @ $500/100%, $375/95%, $350/90%, $275/80%, $200/70%, $180/60%, $170/50%, $165/40%, $160/30%, $155/20%, 4150/10%.

If it has a wide hammer spur and target stocks add $5 to 60% and lower.

12-16-2007, 06:45 PM	#1
thegundude User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Western NC Posts: 1,137 Thanks: 3 Thanked 16 Times in 3 Posts	A small Colt Police Positive Collection... I happen to have taken a fancy to the old Colt Police Positive. I only have them in three calibers so far, but I have time... Here are the .32 calibers... These are the .38 Specials... And here are my .38s, seven in all. And as a group shot. __________________ Keep your knees in the breeze and your iron in the air. ~Steve

12-16-2007, 07:07 PM	#2
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,775 Thanks: 4,995 Thanked 3,133 Times in 1,439 Posts	Steve, This was a time when America's workforce took pride in making a quality pistol. Colt produced a mighty fine one in those days. It was pretty much the standard Police sidearm for many years. Nice collection! Jerry Burney __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 lugerholsterrepair@earthlink.net 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."

12-16-2007, 07:41 PM	#3
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	Very nice Steve Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

12-16-2007, 08:54 PM	#4
thegundude User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Western NC Posts: 1,137 Thanks: 3 Thanked 16 Times in 3 Posts	Thanks, guys. I love those old Colts. They just don't make 'me like that any more. I'm always reminded of the old black and white cop movies where the "G Man" shoots the bad guy from the hip with a Colt PP. __________________ Keep your knees in the breeze and your iron in the air. ~Steve

12-17-2007, 08:47 AM	#6
thegundude User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Western NC Posts: 1,137 Thanks: 3 Thanked 16 Times in 3 Posts	Hi Hal! IMHO, it is worth fixing but only as a shooter. Take to a reputable 'smith and I'm sure he'll be able to get it back up and running again. .32 ammo isn't as available or cheap as it once was but it would still be fun to plink with. __________________ Keep your knees in the breeze and your iron in the air. ~Steve

12-16-2007, 10:25 PM	#5
paradox998 User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: South Florida Posts: 105 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hi Steve: The group shot is most impressive. That is a very nice collection. I have an old 6" New Police DA 32 in which the cylinder does not lock. I was given the gun and don't know a lot about colts. The barrel is good, finish is mostly worn away with no rust and perfect grips. Any advice on whether it is worth having fixed? If you would prefer to email me, my address is cpdog@yahoo.com. Thanks Hal

12-17-2007, 10:42 AM	#7
Mauser720 User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 535 Thanks: 18 Thanked 49 Times in 33 Posts	Hal - The 2002 edition of "The Blue Book of Gun Values" lists the Colt New Police as being worth $145.00 even if it only has 10% of its finish left. For ammo you might try www.ows-ammunition.com Mauser720 - Ron Mauser720 - Ron __________________ Mauser720 - Ron "Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it."

12-20-2007, 09:19 AM	#8
383 magnum User Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 120 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Nice collection! Vintage American guns are my second choice after WW II firearms, but unfortunately, I cannot collect them all!

12-20-2007, 07:20 PM	#10
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 166 Times in 65 Posts	Steve, you pulled my trigger on this one, here are a few of mine: 32-20 PP Specials: 32 & 22 PP Targets: 38 Spl PP engraved: And of course you know that the Detective Special is just a Police Positive with a short bbl: 38 Spl DS 3": 38 Spl DS engraved: __________________ *TRUMP FOR PREZ IN '20!*

12-20-2007, 08:31 PM	#11
thegundude User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Western NC Posts: 1,137 Thanks: 3 Thanked 16 Times in 3 Posts	Wow, Hugh! Nice!! I really like the engraved guns. I dont' have any that are engraved or nickled at all... nor any of the .22 persuasion... __________________ Keep your knees in the breeze and your iron in the air. ~Steve

12-20-2007, 08:37 PM	#12
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	hey Steve, any of these about the value of a holster? I looked at everything and I have one "extra" yucky police holster but some nicer holsters too Nice collection of Colts, I like them (although I don't have one); I shot a 38 special example as a kid with my uncle. __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

12-20-2007, 10:45 PM	#13
thegundude User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Western NC Posts: 1,137 Thanks: 3 Thanked 16 Times in 3 Posts	Thanks, Ed. I think some of them might be around the neighborhood of yucky holsters. Some might be a tad higher... __________________ Keep your knees in the breeze and your iron in the air. ~Steve

12-20-2007, 11:57 PM	#14
383 magnum User Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 120 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I have one Police Positive Special and one Official Police in .22 caliber. After seeing these pictures, I'm thinking I need more. (LOL) The prices of these are sure reasonable compared to a lot of other firearms.

12-21-2007, 01:40 AM	#15
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 166 Times in 65 Posts	Steve, The hard one to find is the 32 Colt Target Model, the 22RF and 22WRF Targets are much easier. However, I haven't got a 22WRF yet. __________________ *TRUMP FOR PREZ IN '20!*

12-21-2007, 10:02 AM	#16
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,156 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,308 Times in 1,098 Posts	Okay all you Colt wheel gun collectors and historians... I have a blue Colt Trooper (Not Mark III) with a 4 inch barrel that I have owned for 38 years... I bought it from an old army sergeant that I worked for back in 1968. I have no idea how long he owned it, but told me it used to belong to his father. It was and is in pretty nice shape. It is exactly the same frame and bulk as the .357 Trooper of the same vintage. I paid $45.00 cash for it... the guy wanted to buy one of them new fangled CB radios and didn't have the money... It was a budget stretcher for the young E-4 that I was, but I managed to pull it off by skipping a few meals that month... Does anyone have any idea when it might have been made and what it might be worth (ballpark estimate)? I have never seen one like it, even at all the gun shows I have ever attended... (More than I can count)... About 20 years ago, a fellow I was talking guns with offered me about $500 for it sight unseen... I wasn't interested in selling it, then or now, but would like to know what this gun might be worth today... If anyone is interested, I will dig it out of the safe and post some photos... __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

12-21-2007, 11:15 PM	#18
minigun User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 424 Thanks: 16 Thanked 20 Times in 15 Posts	Very nice display and thanks for sharing. I'd agree that when these were built, America was a far different place in work ethic and such. Back then I'd even say that U.S. firearms were on par with the quality of German firearms. Now it is not the case by a wide margin.

12-22-2007, 02:07 AM	#19
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 166 Times in 65 Posts	John, Colt Trooper (not MKIII) made 1953-1969, in 22 cal (rare), 357 Mag, & 38 Spl, 4 & 6 in bbls, blue & nickel. The Blue Book lists values @ $500/100%, $375/95%, $350/90%, $275/80%, $200/70%, $180/60%, $170/50%, $165/40%, $160/30%, $155/20%, 4150/10%. If it has a wide hammer spur and target stocks add $5 to 60% and lower. __________________ *TRUMP FOR PREZ IN '20!*