Colt Army Special .38 Revolver | 6" Barrel | Mfd 1919
Manufactured in 1919, this Colt Army Special .38 is a direct link to the post-WWI era when police agencies were modernizing their sidearms. Built on Colt’s medium E-frame, it predates and directly influenced the famed Official Police line, making it a notable piece for any Colt enthusiast or historical collection.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The original blued finish is almost completely worn away, and the barrel displays areas of pitting.
What’s Included
- Colt Army Special .38 revolver with 6" barrel and checkered walnut grip panels
Introduced in 1908, the Army Special served as Colt’s primary medium-frame service revolver until 1927. Serial number 440170 places this example squarely in 1919 production, a desirable timeframe for collectors focused on early 20th-century law-enforcement arms.
The checkered walnut grips lack the Colt medallions that appeared after 1923, confirming the revolver’s early configuration and adding period correctness. These early grips provide secure handling while preserving factory originality.
Its double-action/single-action mechanism remains a hallmark of Colt engineering, offering a smooth trigger and exposed hammer that defined service revolvers of the day. Fixed iron sights—a half-moon front blade paired with a square-notch rear—deliver the classic sight picture expected from pre-Depression Colt wheelguns.
Constructed from carbon-steel throughout, the Army Special set the standard for durability and balance that later evolved into renowned models like the Trooper and Python. Despite finish loss, this example retains its structural integrity and historically significant features.