Colt Lightweight Commander Model .45 ACP 4.25″ 1911 Pistol, MFD 1968 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2225

LSB#: 210922RJ10

Make: Colt

Model: Lightweight Commander Model

Serial Number: 55655-LW

Year of Manufacture: 1968 (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 PT. F.A MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The right side of the frame is marked “55655-LW”. The barrel at the port is marked “COLT .45 AUTO”. The left of the trigger guard is marked with “S” and “VP” in a triangle. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “1”.

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. There are a few light marks to the checkering but it is mostly sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Black Alloy Frame

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its metal finish. A straight mainspring housing with a lanyard ring has been installed, a serrated curved mainspring housing is included. There are some light rubs that have lightly thinned the finish on the matte surfaces. There are two little patches of oxidation on the left of the slide at the front. There are a couple of tiny marks through the finish, most noticeable on the right of the dust cover. There is standard operational wear. There is some faint thinning on the edges. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine Plus 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 is a 7-round magazine, paperwork including a manual, curved serrated mainspring housing, and a Colt box with matching serial number in grease pencil on the bottom.

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 1968, chambered for .45 ACP and is in Fine Plus condition. This one has a few areas of wear paired with a great bore and action. While this will make for a nice carry pistol in a potent chambering and will certainly be a nice addition to a Colt or 1911 collection. Please see our photos and good luck!