ser #

Question
how do you tract down a ser # i have a colt police positive special 38 colt n p ---38 s & w ctg
RHKP on handle ser # 745788 this was my fathers gun and he passed away so i have it, would like to get as much info on it as i can

Answer
Machelle,

Your Dad's gun was made in late 1959 based on the serial number.  It was a Police Positive Special, Third Issue.  That means that there were two previous versions of the same gun.  The Third issue was made between 1947 and 1976.  It was available in a 4", 5" or 6" barrel.  While it might be interesting to a Colt collector, it is not especially rare or collectable.  In good condition, it might be worth between $200 and $250.  If in nearly perfect condition, it could be worth as much as $450.  

The Police Positive was introduced in 1907.  The First Issue guns were calibered in .32 Colt, .32 New Police, .38 New Police and .38 S&W. However, the Police Positive Special had a slightly longer and beefed-up frame to accommodate larger calibers like the .38 Special.

The Second Issue came along in 1927.  It had wood grips instead of the hard rubber ones and a serrated topstrap instead of the smooth one on the First Issue. A Third Issue appeared in 1947, followed by a Fourth Issue in 1977 that featured a shrouded ejector-rod housing. The last Police Positive Special was made in 1995.

These were lightweight and accurate guns for the time.  Colt made some really good quality revolvers back in the day.  This was certainly one of them.

Hope this gives you a bit more info.

Best regards,

Doug Little