New to me. Colt Official Police from 1936.

[Jcordell]

So a couple nights ago I learn that I have a little over $600.00 in my Toy Account (i.e, saving account). Hooray says I. Yesterday after several hours of working out in the yard I decide to treat myself and take a quick drive over to my favorite LGS ( Boulevard Gun & Pawn ) and see what they have in stock. He's always good for classic revolvers. I've gotten some great six shooters from him in the past such as a Pre-war S&W Heavy Duty and a pre-war OM Target.

My wife asks if I'm going to be buying anything. I respond with total sincerity "Oh no honey. The only thing I'm wanting right now for my collection is a Colt Official Police with a 4" barrel. I have yet to find one of those for sale here in the area. I'm just killing time." I really meant it by the way. I had begun to consider buying an OP from the Internet while I still can.

Well obviously you can guess the rest. I walk in and what should I see in the display case but an Official Police with a 4" barrel. The stars had aligned themselves. The owner's wife gets it out for me and I check it out. There is holster wear, but no pitting or rust. I found myself wondering if it had been either a cop or security guard's revolver at one time. The bore is nice and clean. Timing is on - very nice lock-up. Serial number is 601XXX giving it a date of birth sometime in 1936. Above the serial number is a T - which I understand means Targeted. Which Colt would do to all revolvers ordered by police and other governmental agencies. So it really was a Cop Gun at one time.The story might not be accurate, but it's a neat story. Carried often and not shot all that much. My suspicion about the holster wear makes sense.

The sticker price was $450.00. I haggled with the owner for a few minutes and he came down to $400.00 + tax. Bringing the final price to $425.00. Not bad. I can live with it. Yes I probably would have paid $350.00 three months ago, but can't be helped. I whip out the credit card and go home with my Official Police. Finally I now have one in my little collection of Colt handguns. But it's one that I've been wanting for many years now. Even more than the Python if you can believe that.

I like to collect examples of police revolvers and if I'm going to do that then I need both Colts and Smith & Wessons.

[Nyles]

Very nice - I find myself apperciating classic American wheelguns more and more, and I'm always glad to see your new additions! You'll have to let us know how it shoots - I'm currently anxiously awaiting some warm weather so I can shoot my Police Positive Speical.

[SPEMack618]

Nice find there, Cordell. I like it. Looks a revovler ought to look.
What did the wifey say?

[Jcordell]

Originally Posted by SPEMack618

Nice find there, Cordell. I like it. Looks a revovler ought to look.
What did the wifey say?

Funny that you should ask. She was grumpy with me at first. Even though I had plenty of funds to cover it. Then after about 30 minutes she wanted to see it and approximately an hour later she apologized for being grumpy with me. Hey we've been together for 25 years. That's how she is. I don't waste our money or put the family in financial danger with my hobby, but she still has a hard time when she sees several hundred dollars go whoosh.

[Jcordell]

It wasn't that long ago I could have cared less about .38 special revolvers and I really wasn't interested in the plain-jane utilitarian service revolvers (fixed sights, no bells or whistles). But that's changed. Twenty years ago I was all about 45ACP and .357 Magnum. Oh well times and tastes change. I like the old revolvers. Obviously.

[SPEMack618]

Heck, all a man needs is a Heavy Duty with two speedloaders on his sam browne belt. If things get too bad, there should be an Ithaca riot gun clipped to the dash.

Well, it just looks like your wife had the buyer's remorse you didn't. I'd chalk this one up as a win all around.

[Jcordell]

Originally Posted by SPEMack618

Heck, all a man needs is a Heavy Duty with two speedloaders on his sam browne belt. If things get too bad, there should be an Ithaca riot gun clipped to the dash.

Well, it just looks like your wife had the buyer's remorse you didn't. I'd chalk this one up as a win all around.

There you go. I have (well the department has it) a photo from 1943 of an officer with my department. He's got what appears to be a large framed Colt New Service revolver in a cross-draw holster with a lanyard cord (and a Sam Browne belt to include the suspender) and is holding a Stevens 520 Riot Gun. He's wearing the classic police officer hat, looks to be in his forties (who knows possibly a World War I vet?) and he just looks tough.

Standing next to him is another uniformed officer with a S&W M&P on his strong side. It has a six inch barrel which I know because the holster is designed for a 4" model. There are two inches of barrel sticking out from the holster. The best part is he's wearing an old brown wool Cardigan sweater over his uniform and has his hat kicked back over his head. Looks to be in his sixties and has a big old happy smile on his face. Funniest photo you've ever seen.

My wife said that the happy old grandpa probably shot and killed a few suspects in his time and the tough looking marine corp cop is probably a rookie. It was in the middle of World War II and manpower was at a premium.

I've got to scan that photo and post it. I'll see if I can get it from our department historian (i.e. The Chief).

[SPEMack618]

Cordell, that would be awesome if you could.

I opined to any one who would listen at the Ft. Stewart Soldier and NCO club that if the Army insisted on me wearing a yankee "I'm going to burn your barn down" blue uniform, they could atleast bring back a sam browne belt to go with it.

[funkychinaman]

NJ State Troopers still wear Sam Browne belts. It goes with the whole image. It's just a shame they don't still wear breeches and boots though.

[Jcordell]

Actually there are times (like the 15th hour of my 12 hour shift) when the Sam Brown design looks pretty good. Mostly I can see the usefulness of that suspender. The belts get pretty heavy after awhile. A few years ago I swtiched from a leather belt to an Uncle Mike's synthetic patrol belt. The lighter weight was nice, but the belt just didn't last. So now I'm back to the classic Safariland equipment belt. A little heavier and stiffer, but tougher as well.

Thankfully I've lost a bunch of weight over the past couple of years. Makes wearing all the equipment a little easier - a little.

Anyway the old Sam Browne design actually looks pretty sharp. It might be old fashioned, but it looks good. Looking good is a major part of being a uniformed officer I've discovered over the years. For example (returning to my weight), since losing my weight, I find suspects are less lippy with me. Instead of calling me a "fat ass" and a "fat fucker" and (my favorite) "fat bald fucker" they now say things like "you're not fair", " I don't like you", "you're a jerk cop", and "Go fuck yourself".