Lot 1231

Wolf & Klar Shipped and Engraved Colt Detective Special Revolver

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Wolf & Klar Shipped and Engraved Colt Detective Special 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

Documented Wolf & Klar Fort Worth, Texas, Shipped and Engraved Colt Detective Special Double Action Revolver with Relief Carved Steer Head Pearl Grips, Case, and Factory Letter Manufactured in 1936, this is a highly attractive example of Colt's Detective Special revolver that was shipped to and embellished by the famous Fort Worth, Texas, retailer Wolf & Klar. The Wolf & Klar shop was established in 1902 as a pawn shop, hardware store, jeweler, and gun shop on the edge of Fort Worth's infamous redlight district, known as "Hell's Half Acre". They are known to have sold countless firearms to Texas outlaws, cowboys, and lawmen, making any gun shipped there highly desirable among collectors. The included factory letter lists this revolver in .38 caliber with a 2 inch barrel, nickel finish, and grips not listed when shipped to Wolf & Klar in Fort Worth, Texas, on 6 July 1936 as part of a shipment containing 6 guns of this type. The revolver features distinctive and profuse Wolf & Klar zig-zag embellishments in border and floral motifs. The 2 inch barrel is stamped with the caliber/model marking on the left side and the two-line Hartford address/patent dates marking on the right side. The matching serial number is on the inside of the frame and crane. The Rampant Colt is marked on the side of the frame. It is fitted with a blade front sight and frame-top groove rear sight, as well as a pair of highly attractive pearl grips featuring a relief carved steer's head on the left that is fitted with red gemstone eyes and gold capped horns and nose ring. Includes a modern hardwood case with interior informational plaque.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Detective Special

BBL: 2 inch round

Gauge: 38 Special

Finish: nickel

Grips: pearl

Serial Number432223

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Very fine, retains 90% plus of the original nickel finish with some scattered light flaking, light handling evidence, a cylinder turn line, and crisp Wolf & Klar engraving. The grips are excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp relief carving. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with some scattered light handling marks.

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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