Colt Commander Lightweight 4 1/4″ 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol 1956 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2025.01
LSB#: 220127PK009
Make: Colt
Model: Lightweight Commander Model, Pre-Series ’80
Serial Number: 37771-LW
Year of Manufacture: 1956 (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 “37771-LW”. The barrel at the port is marked “COLT .45 AUTO”. The left-rear of the trigger guard is marked with “VP” in a triangle, the left-front “F”.
Barrel Length: 4 ¼”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a serrated, ramped face fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood panels with silver-colored Colt medallions. There is some light thinning to the grips and there is some faint discoloration from age and use. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Black Alloy Frame
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 91% of its metal finish. There is thinning on the edges. There are some scattered scuffs that have thinned the finish, most noticeable on the front strap and on the left side of the slide along the top edge. There are a few little marks through the finish. There are a couple of hairline scratches, the most noticeable is on the left side of the slide at the front. There are scattered handling marks. There is some discoloration from previous oxidation on the bright sides of the hammer. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has very little 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 box with a serial matching number on the bottom and a single 7-round magazine.
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 there were different configurations and chamberings produced. This example is an early .45 ACP Commander Light Weight model produced in 1956. The pistol is in Very Good-Fine condition with wear consistent with use, most notable in the grip area, a nice bore and strong mechanics. This will make for a nice carry pistol, but it will certainly make for a nice addition to a Colt automatic collection. Please see our photos and good luck!