My British Contract Colt Official Police (mfd. 1941) in 38/200 or 38 S&W with a 5" barrel. The finish is still in pretty good condition. I had the internals checked out by an old-time gunsmith and he advised that it's very clean and in excellent shape. Now all I have to do is get some ammo for it. I paid $400.00 for those who are interested.
It isn't really clear how many Official Police in 38/200 that Colt made for the Brits in 1940-1941. I have been advised that all of the OP's were purchased by England. They did not go under the Lend Lease Act - unlike the S&W Victory revolvers. According to Supica & Nahas S&W made over 500,000 Military & Police models in the same caliber for England from 1940-1945. I would imagine this is a big reason why the British Contract OP isn't as common. Note the Woolwich Crown stamp on the left hand side and the various British proof marks. It was just sheer dumb luck that i came across this revolver. I had to wait eight years before I was finally able to purchase it. According to Colt this specimen was shipped to the British Purchasing Commission in New York City in July 1941. It's still in 38/200 (38 S&W) by the way. It was never converted to 38 Special.
It isn't really clear how many Official Police in 38/200 that Colt made for the Brits in 1940-1941. I have been advised that all of the OP's were purchased by England. They did not go under the Lend Lease Act - unlike the S&W Victory revolvers. According to Supica & Nahas S&W made over 500,000 Military & Police models in the same caliber for England from 1940-1945. I would imagine this is a big reason why the British Contract OP isn't as common. Note the Woolwich Crown stamp on the left hand side and the various British proof marks. It was just sheer dumb luck that i came across this revolver. I had to wait eight years before I was finally able to purchase it. According to Colt this specimen was shipped to the British Purchasing Commission in New York City in July 1941. It's still in 38/200 (38 S&W) by the way. It was never converted to 38 Special.