COLT DETECTIVE SPECIAL POST-WAR (SECOND ISSUE) Description
.32 NP, .38 NP, or .38 Spl. cal., 2 or 3 (scarce) in. barrel, can be distinguished from First Issue by 1/8 in. deeper frame (measured from hammer to bottom of frame behind trigger guard), plastic grips 1947-1954, wood grips 1955-1965, wraparound wood grips 1966-1972. Mfg. 1947-1972.
There are four variations of the model - a pre-war design with post-war ser. nos., a "Transition" variation (late 1947-1952, with blue pre-war frame, late 1948-1952 have Coltwood grips), polished long grip frame (mfg. 1953-1966, round grip frame), and short grip frame (mfg. 1966-1972, walnut grip panels).