These Colt New Police revolvers are admittedly among the most attractive antique Colts and are very scarce. Less than 4,000 are believed to have been manufactured between 1882 and 1886, with this example manufactured in 1885. This Colt New Police revolver is pictured on p. 204 of "The William M. Locke Collection" by Frank Sellers. This specific revolver has the 4 1/2 inch barrel with the two-line address on top, crisp etched panel on the left marked "NEW POLICE 38", a fixed round blade front sight and groove rear sight in the top of the frame. The grip panels are smooth pearl, with the left panel lightly inscribed "H.A.I. to W.H.W./Xmas/1892". The included factory letter confirms the current configuration (grips not listed) as well as shipment to Colt's San Francisco Agency on 13 June 1889. Provenance: The William M. Locke Collection; The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection

Very fine, retains 85% plus of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to a smooth grey patina and the etched panel remaining very crisp. The grips are very fine with some scattered light handling marks and the inscription legible. Mechanically excellent.