Colt Lightweight Commander .38 Super Compact 1911 Semi-Auto Pistol 1950 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,375.00
LSB#: WY250310TP046
Make: Colt
Model: Lightweight Commander Model
Serial Number: 306-LW
Year of Manufacture: 1950 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 Super
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COMMANDER / MODEL”, “COLT”, “SUPER .38 / AUTOMATIC” 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 “306-LW”. The barrel at the port is marked “COLT SUPER .38 AUTO”. The left of the trigger guard is marked with “Q” and “VP” in a triangle. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “95”.
Barrel Length: 4 1/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade with serrated face, fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a rectangular notch sight dovetailed to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are correct 1950’s injection mold two-piece checkered panels with a beautiful marbling effect only seen in early examples. The injection molding process would gradually become a dark brown color until the end of production in 1971. The grips have a few minor handling marks. The high contact areas show more wear on the peaks where they have been flattened a bit. With faint wear on the peaks. The checkering is generally well defined and attractive. There are no chips or cracks. There is a small scrape inside the mainspring housing pin cutout on the left panel. Overall, the grips are in Fine 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. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90+% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is some light wear on the slide, most notable on the matte top of the slide where there are some minor scuffs and rub marks. The grip areas show minor handling wear. There is a very minor “idiot mark” under the slide stop on the left of the frame. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has light 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: Included is a single 9-round magazine marked “COLT”, “SUPER / 38 AUTO”. The magazine has light operational wear, scattered light surface oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring. This pistol also comes with Factory Colt Lightweight Commander box with owner’s manual in Very Good condition.
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 1950, chambered for .38 Super, and is in Very Good Plus condition. When it was made, this was just about as high-speed as concealed carry pistols could get. With 9 rounds of .38 Super on tap, there really weren’t a lot of comparable compact autos in 1950. This pistol has light wear consistent with responsible carry and use over the last 70 years. While this will make for a nice carry pistol in a potent chambering it will certainly be a nice addition to a Colt or 1911 collection, too. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
