WWII U.S. Colt Commando Model 2″ Parkerized .38 Special Revolver, 1942 C&R
Sold For: $2,825
LSB#: 201001DW08
Make: Colt
Model: Commando
Serial Number: 35465
Year of Manufacture: 1942 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT COMMANDO / .38 SPECIAL”, the right is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD. CONN U.S.A.”. The left-front of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle, the left-rear with an upside-down “A”. The top-rear of the frame on the left has “G.H.D.” and a flaming bomb ordnance mark. The crane and crane cut are each marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch in the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with gold colored Colt medallions. The grips have light handling wear with some scattered light marks, most notable at the bottom-front of the left panel. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some scattered light finish wear, most notable at the bottom of the backstrap. The cylinder has a thin turn-line. There are a few scattered light nicks and scratches, most notable a nick on the right outside edge of the muzzle. The hammer and trigger show light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with no play on each chamber with the trigger depressed. The double action trigger is smooth, the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: As the United States entered World War II, demand for all things military strained even the massive industrial capacity of America. Front-line arms were prioritized for front-line units, but there was also a need to arm law enforcement, guards at factories and other sites with strategic importance, the Maritime Commission and various other non-combat roles which still required arms. To help fill this demand, Colt produced a variation of their Official Police revolver with specifications determined by the US Government. The result was the Commando revolver, roughly equivalent to Smith & Wesson’s Victory model, with 50,617 produced from 1942-1945. This example is in nice shape, retaining much of its original finish, a nice bore and strong mechanics. Its original Coltwood grips have been replaced with checkered walnut Colt grips, the original Coltwood did have a reputation for shrinkage, so the wood is a nice replacement. This revolver should make a great addition to a Colt or WWII small arms collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS):This C&R Pistol CAN be sold as a dealer sale in California and CAN be transferred as a Private Party Transfer(PPT) as our Simi Valley location. All C&R firearms must be transferred through your local dealer OR at our Simi Valley location; we cannot ship directly to a C&R holder in California. Out of state residents can disregard this section – your local laws apply.
