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LOT 1105
Outstanding Documented Cranston, Rhode Island Police Chief Shipped
Police Chief Nelson G. Bourret
Factory Engraved Colt Police Positive
Double Action Revolver with Pearl Grips
and Factory Letter - Serial no. 392262, 38
S&W cal., 4 inch round bbl., blue finish, pearl
grips. This is a rare example of a factory engraved
Colt Police Positive revolver that is documented as
having shipped to the Police Chief of Cranston, Rhode
Island, Nelson G. Bourret. Bourret was Chief of Police
for the city during the 1940s and in regional newspaper
articles from 1949 is listed as the president of the New
England Association of Police Chiefs. The included factory
letter with this revolver confirms the current configuration
including the pearl grips and the Grade “B” engraving, as well as shipment
to Chief of Police Nelson G. Bourret Police Dept. Cranston, Rhode Island on 11 January 1943. The engraving on this revolver is made up of more than 75% coverage floral scroll engraving with a punchdot background, which was almost certainly executed by Colt Factory Master Engraver, Wilbur Glahn, who handled the bulk
of Colt’s factory engraving from 1919 until 1950. A small assortment of Police Positive revolvers engraved by Glahn showing similar patterns to this example can be seen on p. 404-414 of “Colt Engraving” by R.L. Wilson. The standard two-line address/patent dates is marked on top of the barrel while the model and caliber marking are on the left, both surrounded by floral scroll. The Rampant Colt marking is on the left rear of the frame within an engraved diamond. It is fitted with a blade front sight, groove rear sight, and a pair of smooth pearl grips with Colt medallions at the tops.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 98% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish with a few scattered extremely light handling marks and crisp engraving overall. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent. This is a rare opportunity to own a factory engraved Colt Police Positive, with the added bonus of having individually shipped to a Rhode Island Police Chief!
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
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