My ffl friend has come into possesion of an old Colt Police Positive, and is trying to find the correct value for it. It is a .32 Colt, 4" bbl., blue finish in all original condition. Serial number 371735. It has the original box, but that is in somewhat rough condition. He says the finish is all intact with minor nicks to it, but no rust. He is going to try to send me pictures when he gets it all cleaned up. Anyone here have an idea what it is worth?
need value for an old Colt
- Thread starter Gun 4 Fun
- Start date
Jim Watson
New member
Double check the caliber. A .32 (long) Colt will be an older gun and worth less money than a .32 Colt New Police or .32 Police Positive which is the same as .32 S&W long and is a superior round. Unless it is in such fine condition that someone will want it for its age. Even a beat up box will help there.
Jim Watson
New member
Not necessarily. A Police Positive Special has a longer frame and cylinder for .38 Special (and .32-20.) They made the Police Positive in .32 and .38 New Police up until WW II.
It is most likely chambered for the .32 S&W Long cartridge - aka the .38 Colt New Police cartridge.
Take a look on top of the barrel for the last patent date. The "First Issue" of this model will carry a last patent date of 1905. The "Second Issue" will carry a 1926 last patent date. Another visible "key" to identification is the top strap. A smooth top strap should be a first-issue while a checkered or serrated topstrap should be a 2nd issue.
Both the 1st & 2nd Issue guns carry about the same values. In 90% condition, I'd guess anywhere from about $300 to $340 - the higher number if the original grips are included and the original box.
An excellent condition specimen might bring $400 from someone who loves this little jewels. These are great little guns but with not a lot of power. .32 Long wadcutters are the best for them - either for practice or "social use".
Take a look on top of the barrel for the last patent date. The "First Issue" of this model will carry a last patent date of 1905. The "Second Issue" will carry a 1926 last patent date. Another visible "key" to identification is the top strap. A smooth top strap should be a first-issue while a checkered or serrated topstrap should be a 2nd issue.
Both the 1st & 2nd Issue guns carry about the same values. In 90% condition, I'd guess anywhere from about $300 to $340 - the higher number if the original grips are included and the original box.
An excellent condition specimen might bring $400 from someone who loves this little jewels. These are great little guns but with not a lot of power. .32 Long wadcutters are the best for them - either for practice or "social use".
It'll be the same as the above... Values are dependent upon condition of the finish and the gun's mechanical condition. Most of the good ones just get to 95% and values are about $350ish and move downward as finish levels deteriorate. If it's all original and in excellent shape, it can bring upwards of $550. Have a gunsmith or gunshop evaluate the gun's condition and use that as a guide. A like-new specimen could fetch as much as $700.