First Year Colt Pre-WW2 .38 Super Automatic 1911 5″ Pistol & Letter C&R ’29
SOLD FOR: $9,201.00
LSB#: WY240925JT077
Make: Colt
Model: .38 Super Automatic
Serial Number: 2025
Year of Manufacture: 1929, First Year of Manufacture
Caliber: .38 Super
Action Type: Removable Magazine Fed Single Action SA Semi-Automatic Pistol.
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLTS MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. PAT’D APR 20, 1897, SEPT. 9, 1902. DEC.19, 1905. FEB. 14, 1911. AUG. 19,1913”. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT SUPER .38 AUTOMATIC”. The right side of the frame is marked “2025”. The trigger guard is marked with the COLT Verified Proof “1”on the left and marked “20”. There are no marks on the barrel. All serialized parts are matching.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small crescent blade, the rear sight is a flat top square-notch that is dovetailed to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered wood panels. There is light handling wear. The checkering is sharp. The grips are in Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates at 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish with the exception of the top of the slide and a few marks on the front grip strap. The top of the slide shows worn bluing. The balance of the finish shows operational and handling wear. There is a scratch from the takedown pin. The screws and pins are in sharp and unmarred. Overall this pistol rates at Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The action is smooth, the trigger 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: One 8 Round Magazine and a Colt factory letter.
Our Assessment: This Colt Pre-WW2 .38 Super Automatic 1911, manufactured in 1929, represents the first year of production for this highly sought-after pistol. Introduced as a higher-velocity alternative to the .45 ACP, the .38 Super offered superior penetration, making it popular among law enforcement and competitive shooters. Capable of punching through car doors with ease, the .38 Super excels where .45 ACP may fall short. This particular example retains its original 5” barrel and exhibits the classic early design elements, including the checkered walnut grips, fixed sights, and Colt’s signature deep blue finish. As an early production model, it holds significant historical value, especially with its included Colt archival letter verifying its authenticity and original shipping details.
Beyond its historical significance, this first-year .38 Super remains a prized collector’s piece, with its C&R eligibility adding to its desirability. The early Super .38 pistols are renowned for their precision machining and high-polish finishes, characteristics that set them apart from later wartime and post-war production. Whether appreciated for its role in early semi-automatic development, its ties to law enforcement history, or its sheer collectability, this Colt Pre-WW2 .38 Super stands as an outstanding example of American firearms craftsmanship at the dawn of the Great Depression era. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
