Colt Lightweight Commander Model .45 ACP 4.25″ 1911 Pistol, MFD 1951 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1600

LSB#: 210911DJ36

Make: Colt

Model: Lightweight Commander Model

Serial Number: 13219-LW

Year of Manufacture: 1951 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COMMANDER / MODEL”, “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / CALIBER .45” and with a Rampant Colt logo. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT’S MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The right side of the frame is marked “13219-LW”. The barrel at the port is marked “COLT .45 AUTO”. The left of the trigger guard is marked with “G” over “VP” in a triangle at the front. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “95”.

Barrel Length: 4 ¼”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a serrated, ramped face fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered Coltwood with molded Colt medallions. The grips have some scattered little nicks and light compressions. Some of the most noticeable wear is on the bottom faces. The checkering is mostly strong but has rub wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Black Alloy Frame

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There are some spots of erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 20% of its metal finish. There is a coat of mottled finish loss and thinning. The finish on the alloy frame has a greenish-gray hue. There are scattered spots of erosion on the slide. There are some light scratches and scuffs. There is a takedown mark on the frame. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Good-Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has light play to the frame. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included are two 7-round magazines and a custom purple velvet lined presentation case.

Our Assessment: Introduced by Colt as a lighter-weight version of the 1911, the smaller size of the Commander was popular and soon they were offered in a number of variations including different frame materials and calibers. The original development centered on an aluminum-frame 9mm as a candidate for US Military post-war officer’s pistols, but were also offered in the classic .45 ACP cartridge. This example was produced in 1951, chambered for .45 ACP and is in Good-Very Good condition. This one has scattered wear but has a decent bore and good mechanics. While this will make for a nice carry pistol in a potent chambering and will certainly be a fun shooter that will serve faithfully for years to come. Please see our photos and good luck!