Post-War Colt Super .38 Automatic Blue 5″ 1911 Semi-Auto Pistol, 1947 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,675
LSB#: 240106GS001
Make: Colt
Model: Super .38 Automatic
Serial Number: 43469
Year of Manufacture: 1947 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 Super
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Detachable Magazine Fed Pistol
Barrel Length: 5”. It is a “Fat Barrel”, with exterior dimensions the same as a .45 barrel, correct for this period of production.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade staked 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 checkered brown 1911A1-style plastic panels with large reinforcement rings around the grip screws and reinforcement ribs around the interior. These are not the standard grips for this model, but Colt was notorious for never wasting parts. Even in 1947, it is possible that they were using surplus wartime production grips for commercial guns (and the pistol does have military-style safety and hammer which is typical of this period of production). The grips have minor handling wear with only a few light marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: The right side of the slide exhibits shallow markings and flat slide serrations which we have seen on a few other Super .38s of this vintage. The overall quality and appearance of the finish, as well as the match to the frame, is indicative of Colt finish, but these features are not typical of Colt production. It is not clear if this is a factory refinish, a one-off factory error, or a refinish outside the factory. Please see photos.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning lightly at some edges. There are a few minor nicks and scuffs. There is a thin “idiot mark” on the left of the frame below the slide stop. Some parts have taken on a plum hue. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The slide has minor play to the frame. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a total of two 9-round magazines.
Our Assessment: The .38 Super cartridge was first introduced by Colt in 1928 as a higher pressure loading of the .38 ACP. It is capable of driving a 115 gr. bullet past 1400 fps., producing more than 500 ft-lbs of energy. This is not quite up to the .357 Magnum, but was still capable of penetrating body armor and automobile bodies of the time. Today, the cartridge is favored by many top pistol match competitors for its ability to make “Major” power factor in IPSC/USPSA, with a lighter bullet offering less felt recoil than that produced from a .45 ACP round. Colt first introduced the round in its 1911A1 frame, making it basically the same as the Government Model except for its cartridge. The 1911 pistol had already gained a reputation as a highly reliable pistol during WWI, Colt saw no reason not to capitalize on that reputation with a new caliber offering.
This post-war Super .38 pistol was made in 1947 and is in Fine condition, showing wear consistent with infrequent and responsible use over the last 75 years, retaining the vast majority of its original finish, a good bore and strong mechanics. It has some neat features found on the early post-war Super .38s including a “fat barrel”, military-style hammer and thumb-safety, 7-rib mainspring housing, and even has military-style “Coltwood” grips. The Super .38 pistols are highly prized by collectors, and this one certainly will be no different. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
