COLT SF1023

Overview

Colt Special Lady - 1 of Only 250 Ever MadeCaliber: .38 Special|Barrel: 2"|Finish: Brushed Stainless|Year: 1996|Condition: Unfired, Complete, Collector GradeA Truly Rare OpportunityOffered here is one of the rarest Colt revolvers ever produced-the Colt Special Lady. Manufactured in 1996 as part of a strictly limited run of just 250 units, this revolver was Colt's elegant response to the growing number of women entering the shooting and collecting world. Built on the proven Colt Detective Special platform, the Special Lady featured a 2-inch stainless steel barrel, brushed stainless finish, factory-installed pink laminated wood grips, and the exclusive "Special Lady" barrel engraving. It was never reproduced, making surviving examples extraordinarily scarce-especially in this condition.Unfired, Complete, and Carefully PreservedThis revolver is unfired and remains in collector-grade condition, with all original factory components intact. Included are:Original Colt hard caseAll factory paperwork and documentationOriginally purchased by a woman in 1998, the revolver remained safely stored until its 2006 transfer to its second and current owner-an NRA Counselor and firearms professional. Since then, it has been carefully preserved and rarely removed from its case. While the revolver is unfired and mechanically pristine, there are a few minor surface scuffs present from handling and long-term storage. These are purely cosmetic and do not affect the integrity or function of the firearm.We believe in transparency and want buyers to feel confident-we are happy to provide detailed photos, close-ups, and any additional information needed. Historical SignificanceThe Colt Special Lady captures a unique and transitional moment in Colt's manufacturing history. In the mid-1990s, Colt quietly released a handful of small-run revolvers aimed at niche audiences-offering custom-level appeal without mass production. Among these, the Special Lady stands out as one of the most distinctive and exclusive. Built on the time-tested Detective Special frame, it combined trusted performance with a rare aesthetic-pink laminated wood grips and feminine branding-uncommon for the era.Factory rollmarked "Special Lady" and chambered in .38 Special, it was designed not as a novelty, but as a fully capable concealed-carry revolver that also appealed to collectors and enthusiasts alike. With just 250 manufactured, this model is now considered one of the most difficult post-1970s Colts to acquire.Collector's Market InsightColt revolvers from limited runs like the Special Lady have become high-demand pieces in recent years. With its ultra-low production, complete documentation, and unfired status, this revolver is not only a superb addition to any serious collection-it's a smart investment. Most examples are locked in private collections, and those that do appear on the market are rarely complete or preserved with known provenance.Key Features:-One of only 250 factory-produced-Unfired and fully functional-Based on the iconic Colt Detective Special-Factory-engraved "Special Lady" barrel marking-Includes factory case, manual, and both receipts-Documented two-owner history (first purchased in 1998, transferred in 2006)-Second owner is a qualified NRA Counselor-A few minor scuffs from long-term storageFinal NotesThis revolver is more than just a firearm-it's a preserved piece of American firearm history. With verified documentation, complete factory materials, and rare provenance, it stands as one of the finest surviving Colt Special Lady revolvers in existence. Ideal for serious collectors, investors, and Colt historians, this is a unique offering from a time when Colt blended tradition with limited-run artistry.We are glad to provide additional high-resolution images, answer questions, and assist in every step of the buying process. Contact us today to secure this exceptionally rare and elegant piece of Colt history.