This is a top quality Colt New Service revolver outfitted with an uncommon 2 inch barrel. The factory letter confirms it was in a shipment of two guns of this type in the current configuration (grips not listed, and caliber listed as 38/c, possibly factory error). They were sold to Bolles-Brendamour Co., a sporting goods store in Cincinnati, and shipped to Kruse Hardware Co. in that city on June 27, 1931, in order #10190/2. Mainly seen in lengths of four or six inches, short barreled New Services found a niche as concealed carry weapons for people willing to tolerate a heavier weapon than a Colt Pocket Hammerless or Detective Special in the name of maximum firepower. Sometimes referred to as a "belly gun", these revolvers were often worn on the front of the belt, concealed beneath a common men's jacket and, with practice, could be brought into a fight at a very high rate of speed. The combination was put on the map by Colt's in-house marksman and ballistics expert John Henry "Fitz" FitzGerald, who also lent his name to the "Fitz Special", a more radical variant that sacrificed safety features for increased firing speed. Known examples often show the wear and tear of hard-used working guns, with significant holster wear, signs of rubbing against clothing, and exposure to sweat and airborne moisture; this revolver, by contrast, shows evidence of use but was exceptionally well cared for, placing it far above average for a weapon of this type. Blade front and square notch rear sights, with external markings limited to the Rampant Colt on the side plate, "VP" and "3" on the trigger guard, and "1" on the underside of the barrel; the traditional barrel markings have been excluded. The extractor rod head has been trimmed down, the hammer and trigger are checkered, a casehardened lanyard ring is installed on the butt, and a set of Rampant Colt grips are present. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Excellent, with 98% plus original blue finish, showing some light handling marks and edge wear overall, a small amount of spotting on the sides of the hammer and the right side of the frame, bright wear on the front of the cylinder latch, a thin drag line, and a small amount of touching up on the front end of the ejector rod. Bright color is still present on the lanyard ring. The grips are also excellent. Mechanically excellent. A top notch Depression-era Colt "belly gun", which would be very difficult to find another!