Lot 1228

Glahn Factory Engraved Colt Police Positive Revolver

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Glahn Factory Engraved Colt Police Positive Revolver

Estimate: $4,500 - $7,000

Starting Bid: $4,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Wilbur Glahn Factory Master Engraved Colt Police Positive Double Action Revolver with Pearl Grips and Factory Letter Manufactured in 1926, this is a very scarce and attractive example of a factory engraved Colt Police Positive revolver. R.L Wilson notes on p. 592 of "The Colt Engraving Book Vol. II" that of the total Police Positive production between 1904 and 1943, only approximately 170 specimens were factory engraved, making this a very scarce example. The included factory letter lists the revolver in .38 caliber with a 5 inch barrel, blue finish, pearl grips, and factory "Level 1" engraving when sold to C.P. Stevens and shipped to John B. Varick Co. in Manchester, New Hampshire, on 9 September 1927 as the only gun of its type in order no. 13451/1. The revolver shows classic "Level 1" or "Class A" factory engraving, having floral scrollwork encompassing about one-third of the surfaces, that was executed by Colt factory Master Engraver Wilbur Glahn. The revolver has the standard Colt markings, as well as the matching serial number on the frame and crane. It is fitted with a blade front sight, frame-top groove rear sight, and a pair of smooth pearl grips with Colt medallions at the tops.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Police Positive

BBL: 5 inch round

Gauge: 38 Special

Finish: blue

Grips: pearl

Serial Number351228

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection
  • Condition: Fine, retains 75% plus of the original blue finish with the balance grey patina, mostly in the form of mild handling/holster wear, and crisp engraving overall. The grips are very good with a chip absent near the bottom of the right panel, a smaller chip on the left panel, and otherwise limited handling marks. Mechanically excellent.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000