Colt Commando .38 Special 4” Single/Double Action Revolver 1942-1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,034.25
LSB#: LSB260224HE249
Make: Colt
Model: Commando
Serial Number: 4558
Year of Manufacture: 1942-1943 / C&R
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: DA/SA Double Action and Single Action 6-Shot Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is faintly marked “COLT’S MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” / “PAT’D AUG.5.1884 JULY 4.1905 OCT 5, 1926″. The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT COMMANDO” / “.38 SPECIAL “. The crane and crane cut are marked with the serial number. The front of the trigger guard is marked with the “VP” proof mark. The left side of the frame, at the rear of the top strap is a Flaming Bomb stamp.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the rear of the top strap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two piece checkered walnut with silver Colt medallions inlaid at the top. There is minor handling and faint scratches. The checkering is sharp with just some minor dulling of a few of the peaks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in about Excellent condition
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well-defined. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its Parkerized finish. There is thinning at the muzzle and on the leading edges of the frame, and cylinder. There is a thin turn line on the cylinder and evidence of carbon on the face of the cylinder. There are minor scuffs and faint scratches. There are areas of corrosion throughout the frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and barrel. The screw heads are sharp or lightly tooled. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine condition for its age.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. The single action is crisp, the double action is smooth. The cylinder locks up with no play when the trigger is depressed. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Colt Commando is a desirable World War II-era C&R revolver, manufactured circa 1942–1943 and chambered in .38 Special. The Commando was Colt’s wartime, utilitarian version of the Official Police, built with a Parkerized finish and simplified production features to support military, defense plant, law-enforcement, and government security needs during WWII. The Flaming Bomb stamp on the frame adds to its martial appeal, while the 4″ barrel, fixed sights, six-shot swing-out cylinder, and smooth Colt double-action mechanism make it a practical and historically significant service revolver from the home-front war years.
This example remains in Fine condition for its age, retaining about 98% of its original Parkerized finish with thinning at the muzzle and leading edges, a thin cylinder turn line, carbon on the cylinder face, minor scuffs and faint scratches, and scattered corrosion on the frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and barrel. The bore is bright with well-defined rifling and no erosion, rating 9/10 in this writer’s opinion, and the action functions properly with a crisp single-action break, smooth double-action pull, and solid lockup with no play when the trigger is depressed. The checkered walnut Colt medallion grips are Excellent, showing only minor handling marks and faint scratches with sharp checkering and no cracks or chips. With its WWII production, original Parkerized finish, Flaming Bomb marking, strong bore, and fine mechanical condition, this Colt Commando should appeal to Colt collectors, U.S. martial handgun enthusiasts, and bidders looking for a clean wartime .38 Special revolver. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY