Circa 1914 .32-20 Colt Police Positive stabilization project

[Story]

BLUF - I've been climbing the learning curve with this Colt D-Frame, seems prudent to share with you folks in case you've vexed with similar issues.

Been awhile since I've been here, but currently working on a project you folks *should* appreciate.

I wound up with a pile of parts coated with corruption. Gave them an extended bath in White Vineagar.


So, to lay out the project priorities
1) Clean the corruption from all the nooks and crannies
2) Reassemble to an acceptable state of timing and cylinder lock-up
3) Range test
4) Disassemble and stabilize cylinder, replace spring (just because).

Put everything together, but I need to swap out a few internals so it'll function properly.

I can bore you with the details on the process, if you like.

Best plot twist - I had a vintage shoulder holster that was clearly separated from this revolver at birth.

[Major 2]

 I watch restore you-tube video's a lot...
and have done a few Projects* myself (* not video's)
Good job, I'd be on board, you won't bore me with the details on the process.

That holster is cool too.

[DeaconKC]

Looking good!

[Story]

Thanks for the kind words.

The critical internals are the ejector (upper left corner) and below that, the bolt (last part out, first part in). Then there's the firing pin (upper right corner), which should have some 'flex' to it and the cylinder release.


The first soak in white vinegar took everything down to almost bare metal [see sideplate] but weirdly, the second soak resulted in an unexpected black oxide.


The Youtube tutorials were a big help. I particularly enjoyed the Kinzler Brothers'.

[Major 2]

That is very good video, I'm quite sure I've watched before.
Nevertheless, I was up for plumbing check saw you posted it and indulged myself again.

I have special interest in the Colt Police Positive as I have one.
  I acquired my 1919 from his collection of the former now retired Kissimmee Police Chaplin.
It was the service gun of Cincinati Motor patrolman William "Bill" Stackhouse. Scene in this photo circa 1931-2 with his Indian.
Note: he wearing what is believed to be the gun and service holster
I also have the Bauer Brothers service holster which came with.

Not to highjack your thread, just my keen interest in your project and the Colt Police Positive.

[Story]

That is very good video, I'm quite sure I've watched before.
Nevertheless, I was up for plumbing check saw you posted it and indulged myself again.

I have special interest in the Colt Police Positive as I have one.

Not to highjack your thread, just my keen interest in your project and the Colt Police Positive.

Not hijacking at all, these vintage weapons with a traceable past need to have their stories brought to light. I saw your post on Stackhouse's revolver on another forum - did you get a Colt letter?

I plan to, but I want to figure out all the nuances first - I'm close, but no cigar yet.

This video was helpful, as cautious as the narrator is.

[Story]

Thankfully, a buddy has a stash of Colt D-frame parts (early and late pieces in there).

[DeaconKC]

I am definitely enjoying this thread as I am a sucker for mud puppies myself. Well done gentlemen.

[Major 2]

Yes Sir, I did spring for a Colt Letter,
I read on the Colt Forum I'd pay $150, so I had held off because of some sticker shock.
But I was elated to pay $80 on the Police Positive (see pricing here  https://coltarchives.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-Archive-Letter-Price-List2.pdf)
It did take a good long while, 7 + months though...

The Letter confirmed the gun was purchased City of Cincinnati - Purchasing Division, # of guns in the order and date.
Police officers were required to purchase their Gun at cost from the dept.
The date of Manufacture of my gun was 1919 was shipped however, in 1921.
I do not know when Officer Stackhouse purchased the gun.
I believe he was with the force in the mid-twenties to mid- thirties.
The one photo with the Indian is circa 1931-32.

In my humble opinion the gun is in near perfect condition
It is 126 old, and the Bauer Brother service holster is stamped 1928.
 Even the rounds 38 Colt New Police (38 S&W) are head stamped from the 30's.

those parts of your buddies are GOLD mine!
Thanks for the thread and allowing me some bandwidth in it 



     

[Story]

A digressive post - this project is currently two parts; restore the pistol to its original function and then preserve the cylinder [return to Post #1, now edited].

I have no idea what's inside the shaft for it's spring but it probably could use replacement and lubrication.

Found another precautionary tutorial.

Anyone ever acquire one of these tools?
https://www.brownells.com/tools-cleaning/gun-tools/handgun-tools/colt-crane-bushing-tool/?msockid=34305e74e9426faf02f54e43e8206e8a

[Story]

those parts of your buddies are GOLD mine!

But wait, there's more! One of these cylinder/crane assemblies has a 1934 serial number IIRC.



Before I started this project, I thought about converting it to .38 Special. The .32-20 is expensive ($48/box HSM cowboy stuff at the last local gunshow, $100 for a green & yellow box of Remington) and not a caliber I wanted to expand into, but to mess with a numbers-matching antiquity is heresy.

Thanks for the thread and allowing me some bandwidth in it         

I'd encourage all of you to share as the Spirit moves you.

For instance, have you folks ever considered how often this model was a Movie/TV star?

https://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Colt_Police_Positive

Note that the list above seems incomplete, not including this classic
https://www.imfdb.org/wiki/The_Treasure_of_the_Sierra_Madre#Colt_Official_Police

For those of you writing engagement scenarios, consider holding off Gold Hat and his friends.

[Story]

I am definitely enjoying this thread as I am a sucker for mud puppies myself. Well done gentlemen.

To be fair to him, Major's most excellent .38/c is on the AKC side of that bell curve and mine is the true (but numbers-matching) mud puppy.

I'm going to send for a Colt letter - some of you might remember my historical dumpster-diving skills so let's hope this one was shipped to a place or person of interest.

[Major 2]

But wait, there's more! One of these cylinder/crane assemblies has a 1934 serial number IIRC.



Before I started this project, I thought about converting it to .38 Special. The .32-20 is expensive ($48/box HSM cowboy stuff at the last local gunshow, $100 for a green & yellow box of Remington) and not a caliber I wanted to expand into, but to mess with a numbers-matching antiquity is heresy.


I'd encourage all of you to share as the Spirit moves you.

For instance, have you folks ever considered how often this model was a Movie/TV star?

https://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Colt_Police_Positive

Note that the list above seems incomplete, not including this classic
https://www.imfdb.org/wiki/The_Treasure_of_the_Sierra_Madre#Colt_Official_Police

For those of you writing engagement scenarios, consider holding off Gold Hat and his friends.

WOW! that is a true treasure trove...

I'd vote to keep your gun all matching, besides 32/20 is wonderful round.
It is the first caliber of any oomph I ever shot. till then it was 22 short or Long.
I have that very gun, my Dads S&W Hand ejector 32/20 circa 1924.
I also have a SAA Colt, Marlin, and my Winchester 73.
I reload for all and for the circa 1891 Winchester BP.

Silver Screen, Ok here is one... where the Police Positive was used
If you are old enough to recall the TV show Annie Oakley in 1954.

  Colt Revolver used by Gail Davis as Annie Oakley was a Police Positive with a SAA style ejector added by the prop Dept at Stembridge Gun Rentals.