Colt Courier Model, Blue & Black Alloy 3” SCARCE Double Action Revolver, MFD 1954 C&R
SOLD
LSB#: 160504RA05
Make: Colt
Model: Courier
Serial Number: 28647LW
Year of Manufacture: 1954 (http://proofhouse.com/colt/index.html)
Caliber: .32 Colt New Police
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT COURIER / .32 COLT N.P. CTG.”, the right is marked “COLT’S MFG CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” The left side plate has Colt’s rampant logo, the lower left side of the frame is marked “VP” in triangle and “T”. The left side of the grip frame is marked “G / 4”. The crane is marked “LW / 28647”, the cut is marked “28467 / V / LW / K”.
Barrel Length: 3”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade, integral to a base that is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch in the top of the frame, sitting in a “U” channel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut stocks silver-colored Colt logo medallions. The panels have darkening from age and handling; there are a few examples of lightly compressed checkers; there are no cracks or chip losses and the panels fit the grip frame very well. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, with Matte Black Alloy Frame.
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The frame, grip frame and trigger guard show handling wear that has lightened the matte black finish; the fore and back straps show slightly heavier wear. The right side of the trigger guard has some ding marks, the serrations of the trigger show some faint wear from handling. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces solid full lockup in all 6 chambers with no measurable play. The double action trigger pull is smooth, the single action is crisp. The pistol weighs about 13.5oz. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: According to R.L. Wilson’s ‘The Book of Colt Firearms’, page 397: “The courier is one of the seldom-encountered cartridge revolvers produced by the Colt company. Advertised only in 1954 and 1955, it was quickly superseded by the Agent model. Both guns are the Cobra with stubbier butts. The courier was available in 32 and 22 calibers and with 3” barre. A fully serviceable and useful weapon, it is a difficult gun for the collector to locate, because most specimens are in the ahnds of persons who are unaware of any special collector value or interest”. This is a second year of production Courier, in .32 New Police, showing about 85% of its blued and black anodized alloy finishes remaining; the pistol looks to have been thoroughly enjoyed as a ‘useful weapon’ and appears to have been carried more than it was fired, given the lack of a defined drag line. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, the action produces superb full lockup in all 6 chambers. The stocks have some darkening from handling and age, there are only a few lightly compressed checkers, with no cracks or chip losses. Whether for collectability or personal defense, this pistol is definitely a find unto itself! Please see our pictures and good luck.
