This is an exceptional example of a rare Colt Border Patrol Heavy Duty DA revolver. It is estimated that only 400-500 of these revolvers were manufactured in 1952. This model is an early variant built on an Official Police frame in 38 Special caliber only. These revolvers were built to be strong and are considered to be one of the Holy Grails for Colt double action collectors. This particular revolver is accompanied by a notarized letter from Kelly Historical stating that this revolver, serial number "823630", Colt 1st Issue Border Patrol was purchased from the estate of retired Tucson Police Chief John Hays. John Hays was the Police Chief of the Tucson Police Department in the late 1940s and early 1950s and was responsible for the modernization of the Department. The letter further states that the revolver is still in it's originally shipped Official Police box, is in near mint condition and possibly un-fired, which appears to be the case. The revolver is fitted with a 4 inch heavy barrel marked with the one line address on the right side and "COLT BORDER PATROL/38 SPEC. - HEAVY BARREL" on the left side. The Rampant Colt is marked on the left side of the frame and the matching serial number is marked on the frame and crane. Blade front and frame notch rear sights, and fitted with checkered wood grain plastic grips with the Rampant Colt molded at the top. The accompanying factory letter verifies the caliber, 4 inch barrel and blue finish with grips as "Not Listed" and that it was shipped as 1 to Albert Steinfield and Company, 119 North Stone Avenue in Tucson, Arizona on May 22, 1953. The revolver is complete with that original brown hinged lid box with gold "COLT" on the lid, "HEAVY BARREL" label on the lid end flap and gold "COLT/.38 SPECIAL OFFICIAL POLICE/REVOLVER 4 INCH BARREL" marked end label. Commercially shipped 1st Issue Colt Border Patrol revolvers are one of, if not the rarest Post World War II Colt double action known.

Excellent plus. The revolver retains 99% plus original blue finish showing three tiny dings on the lower right side of the frame, a light cylinder drag line and light handling/storage marks overall. The grips are near new with only slight handling/storage marks. As noted above the revolver appears un-fired. The box is very good with a moderate crease in the lid, some outer material loss and edge wear. An exception example of a extremely rare 1st Issue Colt Border Patrol revolver having once been owned by the Tucson, Arizona Police Chief.