This is an interesting piece of Colt and New York City Police history.  Its an antique pre-1898 Colt New Police Revolver in .32 Colt/.32 S&W, 4" barrel with a factory engraved backstrap marked "NEW YORK POLICE".  In addition to those markings, the bottomstrap has the badge number of the NYCP Police Officer who was issued this gun. Serial number is in the 3100 range dating its period of manufacture to the year 1897/1st year Production.  The Colt Police was the grandfather to the modern double action Police revolver. 

These were originally ordered by Theodore Roosevelt, NYCP President of the Board of Commissioners 1895-97.  We all know of TR as the colorful Rough Rider in the Span Am War who became President of the United States, but his early years were far from mundane.  After the loss of his wife, he spent several years out West as a rancher and even local Sheriff of his community.  He eventually moved back East and began a career in public service during the 1880's.  By the Mid-1890's Roosevelt had made a name for himself as a reformer (they called 'em Muckrakers back then) on the New York Civil Service Board.  He had fought hard to hire public servants based on their qualifications rather than who they knew. 

With the public atmosphere charged by reform, Roosevelt must have seemed the perfect candidate for Police Commissioner.  One might have described him as determined and completely impervious to corruption....two qualities that would be needed in the tough fights that lay.  Prior to Roosevelt joining the force, many officers were hired based on political friendships while others even bought their way onto the force. Officers would arm themselves with pretty much whatever they wanted and corruption was rampant.  Roosevelt began to slowly change the culture inside the department.  For starters, he ordered 4500 Colt New Police revolvers and began standardized training in marksmanship...a skill most 1890's era NYCP officers sorely lacked.  He also fought hard to end corruption on the force by constantly monitoring his men on their beats and weeding out officers who weren't playing by the rules. It was not uncommon to find Roosevelt walking NYC streets late at night as he was out some nights until 3am.  During his brief time in office before becoming the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Roosevelt hired 1600 new officers he based solely on their qualifications and standardized exam scores. In keeping up with the times, he even formed a special bicycle unit.  While his tenure was brief, his changes had successfully steered the NYCPD towards the modern day force we know today.  We view this revolver is a direct historical link to Roosevelt's early career as a reformer and the beginning of the modern day NYCPD. The following is a link about the Colt New Police Revolver:

http://www.coltrevolvers.net/newpolice.htm

Overall Condition grades to NRA Antique Good condition showing significant wear a silver worn appearance that is turning to patina.  Small areas of original blue can still be seen in protected areas.  Back face of the hammer retains remnants of original tempered fire blue.  Hard rubber grips with Colt Motif are in good condition showing wear to the checkering.  Left side of frame marked "COLT'S NEW POLICE" wrapped around Rampant Colt symbol.  Barrel is marked on left side "COLT NEW POLICE".  Top of barrel has Colt name, Hartford address, with 1884 and 1888 patent dates.  Backstrap is engraved in script style "New York Police".  Bore shows wear with a few pits...Fair overall.  Action still cycles pretty well.  A nice piece of Colt History with an  iron-clad connection to the late 19th Century  New York City Police Dept and Theodore Roosevelt.  The last New York marked Colt New Police Revolver we listed went to the new National Law Enforcement Museum.  All Colt New Police models with New York Police on the backstrap will letter with the Colt Archives as factory inscribed and antique production. Don't let this one get away!

Item# 0791

$1050.00