Based on renowned Colt historian R.L. Wilson’s reading of the available factory records, “Approximately 25 New Police revolvers were engraved (about seven of them gold inlaid), and approximately 30 were inscribed (about three in gold). The style of workmanship was in keeping with contemporary scroll and border work on other Colt handguns of the period” (“The Book of Colt Firearms,” page 374). This outstanding example no. 3497 would have been one of the approximately 25 New Police revolver records indicate was factory engraved that Wilson reviewed. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 4 inch barrel in .32 Police cartridge, nickel plating, grip material, and factory engraving. The letter indicates the revolver was shipped to George Worthington Co. of Cleveland, Ohio, on October 13, 1896, making it a first year production example. This was a single gun shipment. Although the back strap inscription “Officer W. Gunn” is not confirmed by the letter, it is certainly period executed. “W. Gunn” has yet to be identified, but he was likely a police officer. The New Police Revolver found immediate success with police departments after then Commissioner and future U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt re-quipped the entire New York Police Department with this Colt revolver model. The engraving is consistent with patterns used by renowned Master Engraver Cuno Helfricht and his shop. The embellishment consists mostly of floral scrollwork on a punch dot background while also incorporating line and dots, zig-zag line bordering and leaf motif covering the top strap. Wilson also noted in “The Book of Colt Firearms” that factory engraved New Police Revolvers commonly featured “limited” coverage. This example, however, is decorated with 90% coverage, making the engraving on this New Police even rarer. The barrel has the three-line Hartford address/patent dates marking on top and “COLT NEW POLICE 32” inside a banner on the left side. The inside of the frame has a Colt factory ampersand (&) rework mark. Stamped on the butt is the non-factory number “5070.” The side plate has the Rampant Colt/New Police logo surrounded by scrollwork. The revolver wears a set of pearl grips. Includes a period oak partitioned case lined in purple velvet.

Excellent, metal retaining 95% plus original nickel plating. The engraving is crisp. The hammer and trigger retain 80% original nitre blue. A sizeable chip is absent from the right panel; otherwise, the replacement grips are very good with a couple small chips and highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with minor handling/storage marks and some typical high spot wear to the lining. A rare documented factory engraved Colt New Model Police Revolver that will bring added dimension to any Colt or firearms art collection.