September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/5/2023
Originally manufactured as a standard configuration Detective Special, this example was subsequently converted into a Fitzgerald Special configuration in 1937. The left side of the barrel is stamped "38" followed by "DETECTIVE/ SPECIAL", and Colt's 2-line address on the right side. Left side of frame bears the Rampant Colt logo. Metal components are blued, while the frame is fitted with custom 2-piece checkered wood grips. Revolver exhibits the iconic features of a Fitzgerald Special, including a partially checkered bobbed hammer, cutaway trigger guard, and a cutaway cylinder pin head. This example is accompanied by an original Colt factory letter indicating that it was the sole revolver shipped to "Loan Account/ Bob Nichols, Editor/ Field and Stream/ New York" on October 25, 1937. Factory letter lists the finish as "Blue" and "Cutaway configuration" under Special Features. PROVENANCE: From the advanced collection of the esteemed and respected Dr. Jim Watson of Scottsdale, Arizona. CONDITION: Metal components retain bountiful amounts of their reapplied blue finish, exhibiting some minor edge wear and areas of mild pitting beneath the bluing. Very bright bore, exhibiting a couple small concentrated spots of pitting and retaining good rifling throughout. Custom grips exhibit some marks from storage and handling but are otherwise fine.
Paperwork
Factory Letter, Information Folder