Colt Police Positive First Issue .38 S&W Revolver, 4 inch, 1918, Blued, NBPD Property Plate, Aftermarket Stag-Pattern Grips
This Colt Police Positive First Issue revolver stands out for its 1918 manufacture date, agency-marked butt plate, and period-correct features unique to early production. It is a six-shot D-frame revolver chambered for .38 Colt New Police (.38 S&W), not to be confused with the Police Positive Special. The revolver retains a blued finish, fixed sights, and an unshrouded, knurled ejector rod, and wears aftermarket stag-pattern grip panels.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some 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 revolver requires a new cylinder lock mechanism and/or a new hand to restore proper function. The bore presents bright, clean steel consistent with the stated bore condition.
What’s Included
- Colt Police Positive First Issue revolver in .38 S&W with 4 inch barrel
- Aftermarket stag-pattern two-piece grip panels
- Butt property/ID plate stamped "NBPD No. 132" affixed to butt
As a First Issue variant, this revolver features the smooth (non-serrated) topstrap associated with early production. The frame carries the rampant Colt logo on the right side, and the barrel shows the "COLT POLICE POSITIVE .38" rollmark with a partial Colt Hartford top address, reflecting the markings seen on period examples.
Chambered for .38 Colt New Police (.38 S&W), this six-shot D-frame is distinct from the Police Positive Special. The unshrouded ejector rod has a knurled tip, and the hammer spur is checkered for positive control. The action is double-action/single-action with an exposed hammer and a smooth trigger.
Sighting consists of a fixed half-moon front blade and a topstrap notch rear, providing a traditional, durable setup. Colt’s internal hammer block (Positive Lock) safety is present, aligning with the model’s design intent to prevent discharge unless the trigger is intentionally pulled.
Collectible appeal is strengthened by the 1918 production date and the agency provenance. The butt property/ID plate stamped "NBPD No. 132" indicates prior department ownership, while the aftermarket stag-pattern grips add a period-style custom touch to this blued carbon-steel revolver.