Colt Super .38 Super 5″ Semi-Auto Pistol 1940 British Purchasing Commission
SOLD FOR: $5,130.99
LSB#: WY250310TP025
Make: Colt
Model: Super .38 Automatic
Serial Number: 34705
Year of Manufacture: 1940 (C&R)
Caliber: .38 Super
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT SUPER .38 / AUTOMATIC” with the Rampant Colt logo. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT’S P.T.F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” followed by patent dates “PAT’D APR. 20. 1897. SEPT. 9. 1902. DEC. 19. 1905. FEB. 14. 1911. AUG. 19. 1913.” The frame is marked with the serial number 34705 on the right side and the slide is marked under the firing pin plate 34705. The trigger guard bears Colt’s inspector marks. Additional British Purchasing Commission markings are present on the slide.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is a square-notch dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The pistol has its original checkered walnut grips. The checkering remains well-defined with moderate handling wear. The grips rate in about very good overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 9-round .38 Super magazine in very good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 40% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light thinning and scattered handling wear, with some areas of minor oxidation, freckling, and edge wear from holster use. The markings are sharp and legible. The screw heads are lightly tooled with serviceable slots. Overall, this pistol rates in about very good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, including the Swartz firing pin safety, which was a key feature introduced in late 1930s Colt pistols. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Colt Super .38 Automatic, manufactured in 1940, is a rare and desirable piece, particularly as part of the British Purchasing Commission contract. As World War II loomed, the British government procured various firearms for their forces, and Colt was one of the manufacturers that supplied handguns. This example retains the Swartz safety, an innovative firing pin block mechanism that was later abandoned by Colt but remains an interesting historical feature.
The .38 Super was introduced by Colt in 1929 as a more powerful alternative to the .45 ACP, capable of penetrating body armor and automobile doors—making it a favorite among law enforcement and military personnel at the time. The 5-inch barrel, original blued finish, and checkered walnut grips give it a classic appearance, while its mechanical reliability makes it a solid addition to any collection.
For collectors of WWII-era handguns, British contract firearms, and early Colt automatics, this is a remarkable example that ties together American craftsmanship and wartime procurement history. Don’t miss out on owning this historically significant Colt Super .38 Automatic! Please see our High Quality photos and good luck on your bids.-C.M.
