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LOT 295
Rare, Documented Springfield, Illinois Police Department Shipped
Factory Engraved Colt Detective Special Double Action Revolver with
Pearl Grips and Factory Letter - Serial no. 609464, 38 Special cal., 2 inch
round bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. This intriguing Colt Detective Special
revolver was factory engraved with profuse scrollwork and was shipped to
Springfield, Illinois, Police Chief Ben Little in 1952. Its elaborate embellishment certainly
suggests that the revolver was meant for presentation, possibly destined as a retirement gift
as Chief Little retired from the Springfield Police Department in 1952, just a few months after
this post-war Colt masterpiece was shipped to him. The accompanying factory letter states the
revolver was sold to Federal Laboratories, Inc. of Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, and shipped to Chief Ben
Little, Police Department, Springfield, Illinois, on March 22, 1952, with a 2 inch barrel in .38 Special,
nickel finish, type of stocks not listed, and factory class “C” standard level scroll engraving (engraver
not listed). This was a single gun shipment. Chief Ben Little joined the Springfield Police Department
in 1923, was named chief of police in 1947, and resigned from the force in August 1952 due to ill health.
The revolver itself has standard markings as well as masterfully executed, near full coverage, factory floral
scroll engraving along with a blank inscription banner on the back strap and is fitted with a pair of smooth
pearl grips. Factory engraved Detective Specials are relatively rare. As a “working gun” popular with law
enforcement as well as with civilians who desired a trusty concealed pistol, it was uncommon for the Colt
Detective Special to receive special order factory embellishments.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 98% plus original nickel plating, crisp engraving, limited handling
marks, and grip with highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. A fantastic factory engraved Colt
Detective Special revolver that will make a grand statement to any collection.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
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