Tracking down a firearms history

[Classicvette63]

I have a Colt New Police .32 revolver. From talking to some folks it appears to have been a police issued firearm due to the 4 digit number stamped on the bottom of the butt, which is not the serial number. I'd like to find out what police department issued this piece. Any suggestions on how to find out this info? Thanks

[Rocky Raab]

You can get a "factory letter" that identifies when the gun was made and to whom it was originally shipped. If it was a police gun, they certainly bought them directly from the factory. So that would tell you.

Unfortunately, factory letters aren't available for all models, and you may have to pay $100 for the service whether they find anything or not. It's worth it for a true collectible, but maybe not just to satisfy a curiousity itch.