Colt's New Police

Subway

I came across an older fellow (84) that showed me a Colt New Police Revolver 32 cal. On the grip, where it fits in the palm of your hand it says New York Police. And on the bottom of the grip it has either the number 6 or a 9. The serial number I believe is 2666. An comments would be helpful. Also a round about value would be great.
Thanks

rufe-snow

It would be best, if you could get hold of a copy of "Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms". There is a section on the Colt New Police, also called the "Cop and Thug" Model, because of the very distinctive grips.

Supposedly Teddy Roosevelt when he was police commissioner of New York City had .32 revolvers purchased for his officers.

If it can be established that this very rare .32 Caliber "Cop and Thug" revolver was one of these guns and it's factory original ( specially the grips ). It would likely, IMHO be a high dollar collectors item.

mrs102

Subway......The Colt New Police revolver was manufactured after the "Cop & Thug" pistol. It is similar to the earlier New Pocket model but had a "square butt" like the later Police Positive model. It was available with 2 1/2, 4 or 6 inch barrel with a blued or nickel plated finish. A distinguishing identifier is the last patent date on the barrel of Nov 6, 1888. The serial number you report would be in the first year of manufacture, 1897. I have seen some confusion on identifying this pistol. Colt Patent Firearms Co. used the term .32 New Police as a caliber designation on other models' barrels such as the Police Positive. Check all the names and dates etc..
New York Police did use this model pistol and it was not uncommon to have them marked with a department issue number, probably applied at the factory if direct ordered by the City of New York. Questioning the owner of the pistol might provide "provenance" and ordering a letter from the Colt historian would verify if the pistol was sold directly to the New York PD. About 49500 New Police and New Police Target models were made from 1897 thru 1907. The Blue Book of Gun Values (2006) 10% condition= $145, 100% condition = $750; add 25% for nickel finish, deduct $25-$50 for chipped grips. Police markings can add or subtract from the value based on collector interest. Hope this helps and others will, I'm sure, suggest posting pictures for better "appraisal" and identification. Welcome to Gun Broker. I learn something new here everyday.