AboutCharles Gage Expertise I can answer questions dealing with firearms and their development due to western expansion. I can answer most questions about any firearms of the world manufactured after the Civil War(1868 - present. I can offer safety warnings about these. I can offer opinions and the reasons behind these.
Experience I have been at the study of firearms and their use since my first issue of Field and Stream in 1962.At that time I was completely devoted to rifles, but over the years I have experienced the thrill of the hunt with handguns, shotguns and of course rifles. I moved from Oklahoma to New Mexico in 1972 and since I have taken numerous game and non-game animals with all firearms (cannons excluded)including blackpowder muzzleloading rifles,shotguns and handguns. My favorite handgun for large non-game animals, such as feral hogs, is my Uberti replica of a 1847 Colt Walker. Very heavy, but accurate.
Education/Credentials I am a 1973 high school graduate. Junior and senior year I developed a class on Wildlife Depredation and Conservation of our Rocky Mountain states. My specialty was the brown bear.
Awards and Honors New Mexico Hunter Safety Program Instructor 5 year award.
Question Dear Charles, I was wondering if you could tell me the approximate age of a Colt "Official Police" .38 Special CTG. revolver. It's serial number is: 839424
Answer Hello Daniel.Your Colt Official Police .38 ctg was manufactured in 1955. A bit of history, In 1927 Colt began the manufacture of the Official Police. In the beginning, it was embraced by most law enforcement agencies, including Mexico and South America. The Official Police went into a cosmetic overhaul in 1942, during WWII. It was given a 2" barrel,non-polished(Parkerized)blue and plastic grips. It was also given a new name 'COMMANDO'. In 1945, It was again given the shiny deep blue finish, but continued with the plastic grips until 1954. The 'COMMANDO' designation disappeared and the wood grips reappeared with checkering and Colt medallion. Still one of the most beautiful large frame revolvers in history. I hope this has answered your question and thank you for asking for me.Charles Gage
