Colt Army Special .38 Special DA/SA Revolver (1912) — 4.5-inch, Hand-Cut Floral/Scroll Engraving, Bright Silver-Colored Plated Finish, Pearlescent Grips
This 1912 Colt Army Special stands out as a custom-engraved, presentation-grade revolver with extensive hand-cut floral/scroll work and a bright silver-colored plated/polished finish. The backstrap is engraved 'J C MANCHESTER' and the revolver wears two-piece white pearlescent grip panels. A documented 4.5-inch barrel configuration, period markings, and Colt's Positive Lock internal safety round out a well-detailed, early 1910s Colt E-frame in .38 Special.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The plated finish shows prevalent loss across high-contact areas and edges, yet the revolver remains in good overall condition.
What’s Included
- Wood presentation display case with glass top and velvet-lined interior
- Keys for the display case
Custom work defines this Army Special. The revolver carries extensive hand-cut floral/scroll engraving across the barrel, frame sideplates, crane/yoke, cylinder, trigger guard, and butt. The backstrap is engraved 'J C MANCHESTER', and a small 'H' inspector or assembly mark appears beneath the serial on the crane.
The finish is a bright silver-colored plated/polished treatment over a carbon steel frame and cylinder, complemented by two-piece white pearlescent grip panels. Controls include a smooth trigger, an exposed hammer with a checkered spur, and a checkered cylinder release latch.
Built on the medium Colt E-frame, this DA/SA .38 Special features a six-shot fluted swing-out cylinder and an unshrouded ejector rod with a knurled tip. Colt's Positive Lock internal safety is included by design.
The 4.5-inch barrel is a documented offering for the model and carries the rollmark 'COLT ARMY SPECIAL 38.' The top of the barrel is marked 'COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT.
U.S.A.' Fixed sights include a half-moon blade front and a milled topstrap groove rear.