Pre-War Colt Commercial Ace 1911 .22 LR Semi-Automatic Pistol, MFD 1935 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2825
LSB#: 210930TP04
Make: Colt
Model: Commercial ACE
Serial Numbers: 6076
Year of Manufacture: 1935 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic with Exposed Hammer and Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. / PAT’D APR.20,1897. SEPT.9,1902. DEC.19,1905. FEB.14,1911. AUG.19,1913.” and with a rampant colt. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT”, “ACE” in a diamond and “.22 / LONG / RIFLE”. The bottom of the slide at the rear on the left ear behind the firing pin plate is marked “E”. The right side of the trigger guard is marked with assembler’s mark “12”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with inspector’s mark “4” and “VP” in triangle proof. The top of the frame to the right of the disconnector is marked “69” and “R”. The right side of the frame above the trigger is marked “6076”. The rear face of the slide, under the firing pin plate is marked “60” over the firing pin and “7”, “6” to each side of the slot for the plate’s retainer. The floorplate of the magazine is marked “COLT” over “ACE” in diamond over “22 L.R.”.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The pistol has a flat-topped, square notched rear sight dovetailed to the rear of the slide, screw adjustable for windage and elevation. The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with a rounded front fixed to the front of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are fully checkered walnut panels. The grips have fairly even light handling wear with some scattered light nicks and scuffs. The wood shows minor discoloration from age and oil. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains approximately 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The most notable wear is in the frontstrap which has scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some lighter wear scattered along the slide including a small patch of finish wear at the slide stop notch. The notch shows wear. There is an arc of wear around the rear of the slide stop, on both the slide and frame, from improper re-assembly. Some of the worn areas show discoloration from oxidation and there is infrequent other minor surface oxidation. Each side of the trigger has small rings of wear from a previously installed trigger shoe. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp and the slide has very little play to the frames. This pistol does NOT have the floating chamber used on the Service Ace. There is a manual safety as well as a grip safety and the hammer has a half-cock notch. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 10-round magazine and a custom display case. The magazine has blue finish on the bottom 2/3 with the top 1/3 in the white. The magazine has light operational wear, the spring is strong and the feed lips are intact. The case is hard-sided with faux-leather and brass corner bolsters on the exterior, a green fabric french-fit interior with two lidded accessory compartments, and fitted storage for the included cleaning rod, oiler, brush and two screwdrivers. The pistol’s fitted compartment appears to have been designed for a pre-1924 Government Model with a flat mainspring housing and doesn’t quite fit, with the lining coming free at the mainspring housing and trigger guard. Otherwise, the interior of the case shows no notable wear or damage. The exterior shows light storage wear. Keys are included for the locking latches.
Our Assessment: This is a Colt Commercial Ace in Very Good condition with about 80% of its finish remaining, a great bore and strong mechanics. The development of the Ace began in 1915 as Colt attempted to create a .22 caliber pistol based on the 1911 Government model design. The first Ace was assembled in 1930 and fewer than 11,000 were made through 1947. While the intent was to produce a .22 version of the Government model, the Ace has a 1/4? shorter barrel, functions as a blowback rather than tilt-barrel and has significantly less recoil than the Government model, as compared with the later Service model Ace. This pistol would make a fine target pistol or recreational plinker, but also comes with a very handsome case for display. In either case, this is a great old Colt to add to any safe in America. Please see our photos and good luck!