According to the included factory letter, this revolver was part of a 2-gun order shipped to the Lawlor Sporting Goods Company of Lincoln, Nebraska on 9 February 1934. Though the grips are "Not Listed" the letter verifies the barrel length, caliber and finish, along with the note "Special Features: Cutaway", confirming the cleanly removed section of the trigger guard as being factory work. Though regarded as dangerous by modern arms writers, Colt's own J. Henry Fitzgerald promoted the chopped trigger guard as a way of increasing speed of deployment for double action revolvers, hence the moniker "Fitz Special". Excluding the lowered trigger guard, smooth pearl grips and "Capt Paul Shively" on the right among zig-zag scrollwork, this revolver is standard. The Colt "VP" proof in present on the right rear of the trigger guard, as appropriate for a factory-made Fitz. Research indicates that Paul Shively was a Captain in the Lincoln Police, originally commissioned in 1923, served in the motorcycle and detective divisions, in addition to a stint as Captain in Charge of the Night Division.

Excellent, with 90% of the original blue finish, showing areas of gray patina, bright edge wear and scattered spotting. Grips are good, with a large chip absent from the left heel, a few smaller chips, and light handling marks. Mechanically excellent.