POTD: Iceland Government Colt Official Police – 80 Revolvers to Reykjavik
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a 1940 Colt Official Police shipped to the government of Iceland on March 21, 1940 as part of an 80-revolver order through John Olafsson & Company in Reykjavik. The timing is significant – this was one year into WWII, one month before Germany invaded Denmark and Norway.
Iceland was under Danish sovereignty but effectively independent by 1940. As war spread across Europe, Iceland needed to arm its small police force. The neutral nation faced uncertain times with major powers fighting nearby. Just two months after this shipment arrived, British forces would occupy Iceland in May 1940 to prevent German invasion.
The factory letter confirms 6-inch barrel in .38 caliber with blue finish. The original Colt maroon box with “AMERICAN MANUFACTURE” label on the lid shows period-correct packaging. Import marks on the grip frame indicate later re-importation to the United States, likely decades after service in Iceland. The .38 Special chambering was standard for police work worldwide by 1940. The 6-inch barrel provided adequate accuracy for law enforcement while remaining manageable for patrol carry. Checkered walnut grips with silver Rampant Colt medallions were standard Official Police features.
Iceland’s 80-revolver order equipped its entire police force during a critical period. These Colts armed Icelandic police through British occupation, American forces arriving in 1941, and Iceland’s full independence from Denmark in 1944. The excellent condition with original box suggests this example saw careful service or storage.
Most of our POTDs utilize images from our friends at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms auction in the United States. Take some time to browse their current auctions – who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece of history to take home!
“Excellent Pre-World War II Government of Iceland Shipped Colt Official Police Double Action Revolver with Original Box and Factory Letter.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/5030/381/prewwii-iceland-shipped-colt-official-police-revolver-with-box. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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