How do you determine the precise age of a Colt Detective Special?

[Art SC]

My wife inherited a Colt Detective Special (.38 snub-nosed). It's a handsome little gun that shoots incredibly accurate out to about 25 yds. I've been able to determine that it IS a Series II Colt DS made between 1947-1972 since there is no ejector rod shroud. I've also been able to determine it is NOT a post-1966 DS because it has no wrap-around grip nor is there a letter preceeding the serial number. So now I'm between 1947 and 1966. The serial number is 548xxx. I've not been able to get any direct assistance from Colt Manufacturing. Any help you might give in narrowing this down for me would be very much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Steven Mace]

Art SC, my information shows the Colt Detective Special had a serial number range of 542400-571499 in 1950. Hope this helps!

Steve Mace

 

[Trapper L]

Looks like its a year model 1952.

http://www.proofhouse.com/colt/index.html

Scroll down to Detective Special on the left under Double Action and click on it. Serial number ranges and dates on the right.

 

[Art SC]

Thanks!

I'm impressed! Thanks Trapper & Steve. Looking closely at the site Trapper gave, it definitely looks like Steve is right. 1950! Heck, that gun is older than I am!