1950 Colt Detective Special

The Colt Detective Special was first produced in 1927 and remained in production, with later variations, until 1995. A derivative of the Colt Police Positive, it was built to meet demand for a revolver that was easier to conceal. These guns were offered in .32 and .38 calibers. My example pictured here was made in 1950, and its caliber is .32 New Police.

To the collector, factory engraving and special grips usually bring the most value. Even so, I believe that over time many aftermarket additions will earn collector interest of their own.

The .32 New Police caliber is essentially the same as the .32 S&W Long, but with a flat-nosed bullet. This caliber was popular for police use during the early to mid-20th century. The Colt Detective Special in this caliber would have been valued for its compact size and reliability, making it a suitable choice for detectives and police officers who needed a discreet yet effective sidearm.

This .32 Colt Detective Special is nickel finished, fully engraved, and fitted with genuine mother-of-pearl grips. The .32 New Police cartridge, Colt's name for the .32 S&W Long, was and remains known for accuracy, even in a short-barreled revolver like the one pictured here. I paid $1,750 for this gun in 2005. I was drawn to it because of the caliber, the 1950 manufacture date, the engraving, and the mother-of-pearl grips.

When I purchased this Colt Detective Special .32 caliber revolver for $1,750, I had no expectation that it would double in value over the next ten years. I simply knew that I wanted to own it for as long as I could and someday leave it to my children.

The .32 caliber has gone the way of the 16-gauge shotgun; it is almost nonexistent. I hate that, but I understand that market demand decides the fate of any product. My rationale in buying this gun was that it would have cost roughly $1,300 in 2005 to have it engraved in this manner, plus another $300 to have it nickel plated. A comparable 1950 revolver by itself would surely have cost at least $150. I easily convinced myself.

I did not call the Colt Archive at 1-800-962-COLT, and I assumed that the engraving was aftermarket. The work had the appearance of engraving by a Texas craftsman I had seen before. I love everything about this gun: its size, weight, cartridge, and accuracy. On top of that, it is simply a beautiful revolver. It also comes from the Baby Boom period, 1946-1964, which I consider a fascinating era for a collection.

The Snub-Nose Revolver Story

The history of the snub-nose revolver reflects the evolving needs and technologies in the field of personal firearms. Early revolvers date back to the 19th century, with Samuel Colt's patent in 1836 marking a significant advancement. Those early revolvers were not snub-nosed, but the long trend toward more compact firearms had begun.

By the late 19th century, smaller and more concealable firearms were becoming more desirable. The actual snub-nose revolver design, featuring a short barrel typically around two inches, emerged in the early 20th century. These revolvers were designed to be easily concealed, making them popular among undercover law enforcement officers and private citizens alike.

By the mid-20th century, snub-nose revolvers like the Colt Detective Special and Smith & Wesson J-Frame had become extremely popular, especially in law enforcement. They were often used as backup weapons or by detectives who needed a compact firearm.

Snub-nose revolvers were produced in various calibers, with the .38 Special becoming one of the most popular due to its effective stopping power and manageable recoil. Other calibers included .32 and .357 Magnum. The snub-nose revolver also became an iconic firearm in American culture, often associated with detectives and noir films.

Decline and Enduring Legacy

The advent of compact semi-automatic pistols in the late 20th century led to a decline in the popularity of snub-nose revolvers. However, they continue to be used and appreciated for their simplicity, reliability, and ease of concealment. Modern materials and manufacturing techniques have also led to lighter and more durable snub-nose designs.

The snub-nose revolver's history is marked by its adaptability to the needs of those seeking a compact, reliable, and easy-to-conceal firearm, and it remains a significant part of firearm history and culture.

Serial Number Research: The serial number tables listed here are still significant and useful to the collector. However, if you are researching a particular gun, use the Colt Database.

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About Greg Cook

Greg Cook writes about firearms collecting, personal history, and the stories behind interesting guns. His Army MOS was 76Y, Unit Armorer, and that practical background still shapes his collector articles.