This is an excellent example of a very scarce early pre-war Colt Super 38 Automatic pistol, that was sold to the St. Louis Police Department in 1937. The front grip strap has been factory engraved "St. L.P.D." This beautiful pistol is complete with an original maroon shipping box that is correctly marked "Colt Automatic Pistol Super 38" on the label and includes the original test target and shooting suggestion tip sheet with a reproduction instruction manual. The serial number "26319" is written in pencil on the underside. The Colt factory letter is dated Dec 1986 and verifies this is one of 10 pistols shipped to the St Louis PD in April 1937. The left side of the slide is marked with the standard two-line address/patent dates and the right side is marked "COLT SUPER.38/AUTOMATIC" followed by the Rampant Colt. The upper left side of the trigger guard bow is stamped with a letter "P" over the Colt "VP" proof with the number "60" on the opposite side. It is fitted with the correct barrel that has the polished chamber area, that is marked with only "COLT 38 AUTO" on the lower left side. It has the early high polish blue finish with an excellent super smooth action. The slide has the standard pre-war fixed sight with the thick, half-moon style front sight with the square notch rear sight. It has the short trigger with the checkered face, with the checkered slide lock lever, thumb safety and the wide spur hammer, with the full checkering. It is complete with one half-tone Colt magazine that is marked "COLT/SUPER .38 AUTO" on the bottom.

Excellent plus with 99% of the original Colt factory blue finish overall showing no wear on the metal surfaces. The markings are clear and sharp, and the breech face shows limited test firing probably by the Colt factory. The grips are in excellent condition with nice, sharp, distinct checkering overall. The box is in good condition overall with much of the maroon outer cover still remaining with the corners having been poorly re-glued/repaired, with the end label complete. The associated papers are all in very good condition .