Colt Police Positive Special Value Guide

The Colt Police Positive Special is a quintessential American double-action revolver that bridged the gap between compact carry and full-power .38 Special ballistics. Its legacy is defined by nearly nine decades of continuous production and its status as a standard-issue sidearm for numerous U.S. police departments.

What affects the value of Colt Police Positive Special?

• Overall condition of the original factory finish, with high-polish bluing commanding a premium over worn or refinished examples.
• Presence of original hard rubber grips without chips, cracks, or significant smoothing of the checkering.
• Mechanical timing and lock-up tightness, which are critical for the safety and functionality of these vintage double-action systems.
• Specific era of production, as early 20th-century models often hold more historical interest for collectors than late-production variants.

How to Identify Colt Police Positive Special?

• Check for the 'Positive Lock' safety device which prevents the firing pin from hitting the primer unless the trigger is pulled.
• Verify the frame material is high-quality steel with original factory bluing or nickel plating.
• Look for the distinctive hard rubber grips featuring the molded Colt logo, typical of earlier production models.
• Confirm the caliber marking on the barrel specifically denotes '.38 Special' to distinguish it from the standard Police Positive.

History of Colt Police Positive Special

The Colt Police Positive Special was a popular revolver introduced by Colt's Manufacturing Company in 1907. It gained widespread use among police departments across the United States for its compact size, robust construction, and effective .38 Special caliber. This model also saw civilian sales and was produced for many decades, establishing itself as a reliable firearm.