Colt Lightweight Commander .38 Super Compact 1911 Semi-Auto Pistol 1952 C&R
LSB#: 220117LJ121
Make: Colt
Model: Lightweight Commander Model
Serial Number: 26925-LW
Year of Manufacture: 1952 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 Super
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COMMANDER / MODEL”, “COLT”, “SUPER .38 / AUTOMATIC” 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 “26925-LW”. The barrel at the port is marked “COLT SUPER .38 AUTO”. The left of the trigger guard is marked with “A” and “VP” in a triangle. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “65”.
Barrel Length: 4 1/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade 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 brown plastic with reinforcement rings around the grip screws and reinforcement ribs on their interiors. The interiors are marked with post-WWII military part numbers. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few scattered minor marks. The checkering is generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 96% of its current metal finish. There is some finish loss at the edges of the trigger guard and around the serial number marking. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs, scratches and swirls in the nickel finish. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-FIne condition as refinished.
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 single 9-round magazine marked “COLT”, “SUPER / 38 AUTO”. The magazine has light operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring.
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 1952, chambered for .38 Super, and is in Very Good-Fine condition as refinished, retaining the great majority of its new nickel finish. When it was made, this was just about as high-speed as concealed carry pistols could get. With 9 rounds of .38 Super on tap, there really weren’t a lot of comparable compact autos in 1952. This pistol’s new finish gives it a very distinctive appearance and should turn a few heads at the range. While this will make for a nice carry pistol in a potent chambering it would certainly also make a nice addition to a Colt or 1911 collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
