Colt Lightweight Commander Model .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1952 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2500

LSB#: 210419MB18

Make: Colt

Model: Lightweight Commander Model

Serial Number: 21465-LW

Year of Manufacture: 1952 (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 MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The right side of the frame is marked “21465-LW”. The barrel at the port is marked “COLT .45 AUTO”. The left of the trigger guard is marked with “X” over “VP” in a triangle at the front. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “4”.

Barrel Length: 4 ¼”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a serrated, ramped face fixed 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 two-piece checkered Coltwood with molded Colt medallions. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Black Alloy Frame

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its metal finish. The matte portions have some faint rubs. There are a few little scuffs on the bottom of the dust cover and bottom of the slide. There is faint thinning on the leading edges of the slide. There are a few spots of thinning on the trigger guard and frontstrap. There is a little mark into the finish on the right side of the frame above the trigger. There is a thin line of finish loss on the right of the slide from operation. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine-Excellent 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: This pistol comes with a single 7-round magazine, factory box, and paperwork including a manual. The magazine has minor operational wear with intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Excellent condition. The box has a matching serial number written on the bottom. There are tape repairs on the sides and the box has some scattered scuffs and little marks through the finish. The box has some splits on one of the sides of the lid. The box rates in about Good condition. One of the pieces of paperwork is a request to register personal firearms from one Major Bill M. Saye. There are some amendments to the paper in pen and some markings crossed out, the serial number of this pistol has amendments in pen.

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 were also offered in the classic .45 ACP cartridge. This example was produced in 1952, chambered for .45 ACP and is in Fine-Excellent condition. It retains the vast majority of its finish, a great bore and strong mechanics. While this will make for a nice carry pistol in a potent chambering, its high condition will also make it a great addition to a Colt automatic collection. Please see our photos and good luck!