Colt official Police Detriot Police

K

kh1911

New member
I found a Nickle plated Detriot Police Colt revolver in .38 special, its up for $400, i couldnt find anything in my value book, so would it be a good buy? Thanks
 
It all depends upon condition and originality.

The nickel model is valued at more than the blued if the revolver was originally nickel finished when new. Some have been refinished from blued to nickel in their lifetime.

I know since I have one shipped to a New Orleans hardware store in Dec. 1941. It came with a nickel finish when I purchased it last year for a $129.00. The finish was bad but the revolver was solid mechanically. I had it refinished in nickel. It is a real beauty. The only problem is it was sold new in blue and not nickel. I found this out only after I had it refinished for about the cost I paid for the revolver.

Now to provide you with my personal opinion. If it is in good mechanical condition, a perfect finish and an original nickel revolver then I would say it is worth the price you mentioned.
 
Factory nickel plated police revolvers are uncommon because 1) they shine in the dark making the cop a target, and 2) cost more money. So make sure the gun was not plated after being sold off by the police. It might not make any difference in the functionality of the gun but it would make a lot of difference in value, possibly cutting that price in half or even lower.

Jim
 
The way I found out was by a factory letter from Colt which cost $80.00 and takes several months to receive.

Mine was never going to be a collectible revolver anyway since it was going to have to be refinished.
 
Detroit PD is known to have issued Colt and S&W revolvers with 5" barrels, nickel finish, 38 Special caliber. I would assume the finish to be original.

Value is whatever it's worth to you. I would not pay $400 for one.
 
You could post some good pictures here; many of us can tell an after-market plating job from a factory one.

Jim
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top