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SCARCE PRE-WAR .22 LR CALIBER OFFICIAL POLICE, COLT FACTORY LETTER, SHIPPED 1941.
Guns International #: 103036234 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Colt Revolvers - Official Police - Colt Revolvers - Double Action Pre-War
Seller's Information
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Seller: goodmanguns
Company: William T. Goodman
Member Since: 10/16/15
First Name: William
Last Name: Goodman
State: Montana
Zip: 59715
Country: United States
Phone: (406) 587-3131
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 65
Total Number of Listings: 3766
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: checks, cashiers/bank check, money order
Description:
SCARCE PRE-WAR .22 LR CALIBER OFFICIAL POLICE, WITH COLT FACTORY LETTER, #25XXX, SHIPPED 1941. This distinct variant of the famed Official Police line in .22 LR only was introduced in 1930. It was intended to be mainly used as a "training revolver" using cheap and no recoiling .22 LR ammo for police and military use. As such, not many were poduced. Serial numbers started in 1930 at No. 1 and by 1940 had reached only 14000. Most years only a few hundred were produced (Great Depression era). Interestingly, this one has a high serial number for a pre-War example, so I lettered it with Colt. Production stopped for these at World War II and then began again in 1947 starting with serial number 30000. The colt letter indicates that this .22 LR Official Police Revolver with 6" barrel and blue finish (standard) was shipped on August 18, 1941 to Blish, Mize & Stillman Hardware Company, Atchison, Kansas. Further, it is listed as a single gun shipment. I believe this was probably a single gun order for the Atchison Police or very probably for Fort Leavenworth which is only 20 miles from Atchison. This company is still in business and started in 1871 to supply wagon trains heading West! (info included). This limited production Pre-War example shows it was used, but not abused. The action is tight with a bright bore. The blue finish has turned gray on the grip straps (good blue on the butt) and trigger guard. The cylinder blue is thinning with edge wear and good blue in the flutes. Some finish wear to the sides of the barrel. Good frame blue and exc. markings. Unaltered front sight, checkering on the grips is worn evenly on both sides from handling. My bet is that with the outbreak of World War II only months away from the shipping date of this Colt, it was used throughout World War II as a military trainer- many in the military were issued Colt Official Police .38 Special revolvers. In all, a very interesting and scarce historical Colt with factory letter.
Price: $1,195.00
Curio/Relic: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Manufacturer: COLT
Model: OFFICIAL POLICE 22
Serial Number: 25XXX
Barrel Length: 6
Condition: VG
Bore Condition: EXCELLENT