First of all, neither revolver was considered to be “budjet†models. Both were top-quality service guns with fixed sights. The Official Police was heavier and intended to be a uniformed officer’s sidearm. Incidentally, it used the same basic frame and lockwork as today’s Python. The Police Positive Special was identical to the better known Detective Special except it had a longer barrel (4 through 6 inches). It was more popular with individuals that carried their hardware concealed for whatever reason.
Both were made in large numbers, but because they were primarily police service guns most that turn up are well used and far from “like new.†As a general rule the quality of bluing was the same, depending on the particular era they were made. Guns made before and shortly after World War Two are better finished then later production when higher labor costs played a part.
Right now double-action/hand ejector Colts are not particularly strong as a collector’s item, but they’re popularity is growing. This is particularly true with mint/boxed guns. I would say that $400.00 is near the top end in today’s market, but if they are truly “like new†and boxed I would expect the value would increase over time. One of these days someone will write a reference book about them, as it is unlikely that any more will be made, and collectors will be off and running. Both models were extremely popular with law enforcement officers from the early 1900’s through about 1970. They represent a collectors’ field that’s waiting to be discovered. Consider them to be a long rather then short-term investment.
A cut and paste
says nothiong in effect
