Early Colt Officers Model .38 Colt/Special Target Revolver. This is the earliest style of officers Model and was the first side-swing cylinder medium frame revolver Colt produced with target sights. Without the adjustable target sights, it would be the “Model 1895 New Army/New Navy” revolver. Quickly identified by the long cylinder notches and left turning cylinder (all later revolvers revolved clockwise), this model is often called by collectors “Left Wheelers.” This example with serial number 261378 was made in 1906. The cylinders of this model were all bored to accept either the .38 Colt service cartridge or the longer, more modern .38 Special cartridge that was introduced by Smith and Wesson in 1899. Very few of these target “Left Wheelers” were produced, and as the name implies, they were intended as either target arms or as a high quality above-the-standard issue revolver for police or military officers who were then carrying fixed sighted .38 Colt caliber revolvers. This model is further distinguished by having finely checkered walnut grips (the military model had smooth walnut). Additionally, the back strap and trigger face are beautifully checkered. The frame retains most of the early high polish Colt blue of that era and the action was hand fitted and polished to perfection. Fine bright bore and the cylinder also retains excellent blue. The grips fit perfectly and show only light wear to the checkering. The barrel only appears to have had correct and matching restorative blue added and retains all the very early first model “OFFICERS MODEL COLT D.A.38” (for Double Action) marking as well as the Colt address and patent markings on the barrel top with the correct last patent date 1901. There is still good fire blue on the back of the hammer and trigger sides as well as a distinct early style “rampant Colt” in a circle stamping on the left side of the frame. It shows matching assembly numbers on the inside of the frame, yoke (inside in front of the cylinder) and cylinder release latch. These Left Wheeler Target Officers Models are considered the “grandfather” of all the target sighted later models including the famed Python, Diamondback and Anaconda models. All Officers Models are scarce with these early “COLT D. A. .38” marked revolvers extremely rare. The revolver weighs 2lbs 2oz. Serial Number: 261378. This firearm qualifies as a Curio & Relic firearm, and requires FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.