Post-War Colt Super .38 Automatic Blue 5? 1911 Semi-Auto Pistol, 1948 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3076
LSB#: 220331RL002
Make: Colt
Model: Super .38 Automatic
Serial Number: 65390
Year of Manufacture: 1948 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 Super
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Detachable Magazine Fed Pistol
Markings: The right of the slide is marked “COLT”, “SUPER 38 / AUTOMATIC” and with a rampant Colt logo. The left of the slide is marked “COLTS MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The right of the frame is marked with the serial number. The left of the trigger guard has “T” and a “VP” in triangle, the right has “27”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “B” in front of the link.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade staked to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The left panel is a checkered brown Keyes Fibre panel. The right panel is a checkered brown Coltwood panel. Both have reinforcement rings around the grip screws and reinforcement ribs on the inside. The grips have minor handling wear. There are a few small tool marks in the reinforcement rings and scattered minor marks. The checkering is generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The grip areas are mostly worn to white. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some scattered light finish wear and voids in the finish on the right flats of the slide and frame which appear to be from oxidation which was scrubbed out. There are a few other spots of minor surface oxidation. There is more notable wear on the left of the frame around the slide stop and thumb safety. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The slide has very little play to the frame. We did not fire this handgun. 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 9-round magazine. “J H B” has been hand-scribed on the left of the body. The magazine shows light operational wear, has intact feed lips and a strong spring.
Our Assessment: The .38 Super cartridge was first introduced by Colt in 1928 as a higher pressure loading of the .38 ACP. It is capable of driving a 115 gr. bullet past 1400 fps., producing more than 500 ft-lbs of energy. This is not quite up to the .357 Magnum, but was still capable of penetrating body armor and automobile bodies of the time. Today, the cartridge is favored by many top pistol match competitors for its ability to make “Major” power factor in IPSC/USPSA, with a lighter bullet offering less felt recoil than that produced from a .45 ACP round. Colt first introduced the round in its 1911A1 frame, making it basically the same as the Government Model except for its cartridge. The 1911 pistol had already gained a reputation as a highly reliable pistol during WWI, Colt saw no reason not to capitalize on that reputation with a new caliber offering. This post-war Super .38 pistol was made in 1948 and is in Very Good condition, showing wear consistent with use over the last 70+ years, but retaining a good bore and strong mechanics. The Super .38 pistols are highly prized by collectors, and this one certainly will be no different. Please see our photos and good luck!