Colt Custom Class D Engraved Pre-Series 80 Combat Commander Pistol 38 Super
SOLD FOR: $7075
LSB#: 220927HE006
Make: Colt
Model: Combat Commander Pre-Series ’80
Serial Number: 70BS99191
Year of Manufacture: 1980 (Colt Serial Lookup)
Caliber: .38 Super
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COMBAT / COMMANDER / COLT / .38 SUPER / AUTOMATIC” and with a Rampant Colt logo. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT’S COMBAT COMMANDER MODEL”. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and “70BS99191”. The barrel at the port is marked “COLT SUPER .38 AUTO”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “U” and at the rear with “VP” in a triangle. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “V”. The magazine baseplates are marked “M” and “COLT / SUPER / 38 AUTO” and one is marked with a rampant colt. The slide and frame have extensive Class “D” scroll engraving.
Barrel Length: 4 1/4”
Sights / Optics: This pistol is mounted with a square notched flat topped rear sight dovetailed into the slide and blade front sight with a slightly ramped rear face fixed to the front of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth white bone panels. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The panels are slightly proud to the bottom of the frame. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore is a 9 or 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is extremely faint operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: This pistol has a tight slide and a crisp trigger. The action functions correctly. 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: This pistol comes in a maroon cardboard Colt box with serial-matching Custom Shop label, an assortment of factory paperwork including manual and one blued 9-round magazine. The box has scattered light wear with light fraying at edges and corners, in about Very Good condition. The magazine shows very faint operational wear with strong springs and intact feed lips, in Fine-plus condition.
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. While the original development centered on an aluminum-frame 9mm as a candidate for US Military post-war officer’s pistols, the steel frame Commanders such as this one are what most people think of when they think of “The Commander”. The Commander isn’t as bulky as a full sized M1911, and in .38 Super, the magazine capacity is increased to 9-rounds while still being powerful, slim and compact. This example was sent to the Colt Custom Shop where it was given gorgeous class “D” engraving. The pistol is in Excellent condition showing just a hint of operational wear, likely from hand-cycling rather than actual firing. This is a beautiful pistol that ought to make any collector happy. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding! J. Ren
