WWII Colt Commando 4″ .38 SPL Double Action Revolver & Shore Patrol Rig

SOLD FOR: $2,391.00

LSB#: 250118KP020

Make: Colt

Model: Commando

Serial Number: 34347

Year of Manufacture: 1942-1945 (WWII-Era)

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: Double Action / Single Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT COMMANDO .38 SPECIAL.” The top of the barrel is marked with Colt’s two-line patent and address. The frame is marked with “G.H.D.” (inspector’s initials for Guy H. Drewry) above a U.S. Ordnance flaming bomb acceptance mark. The serial number “34347” is stamped on the frame and crane.

Barrel Length: 4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch groove in the top strap.

Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are wartime-era Colt checkered polymer. The grips show minor handling wear but remain structurally sound, rating in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion or fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 85% of its original Parkerized finish, with expected wartime handling wear, some thinning on the high edges, and minor scuffs throughout. The frame markings, including the “G.H.D.” inspector’s stamp and Ordnance flaming bomb, remain clear. The screw heads are sharp, and the cylinder locks up tightly with minimal play. Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good condition given its age and military history.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double-action trigger pull is smooth, and the single-action break is crisp. The cylinder rotates properly and locks securely. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes as part of a complete WWII Shore Patrol rig, which includes:

Military web belt

Leather holster

Ammo pouch with 50-round box of .38 Special ammunition (Ships Seperatly)

Billy club and billy club holster

SP (Shore Patrol) armband

Red Medical kit & first aid pouch

Our Assessment: The Colt Commando was a wartime adaptation of the Colt Official Police revolver, produced specifically for military and law enforcement use during World War II. With its Parkerized finish, lack of a polished hammer and trigger, and simplified grips, the Commando was built for durability and function over aesthetics. These revolvers were issued to military police, defense plant guards, and Shore Patrol units, making them a significant piece of U.S. wartime history.

This particular revolver, serial number 34347, is marked with the “G.H.D.” inspector’s initials and the U.S. Ordnance flaming bomb acceptance mark, confirming its military contract origins. It retains about 85% of its original Parkerized finish, with only light handling wear, and remains mechanically sound.

What makes this package truly special is the inclusion of a full WWII Shore Patrol rig. The belt, leather holster, ammo pouch, billy club with holster, SP armband, medical kit, and first aid pouch provide an authentic representation of a U.S. Navy Shore Patrolman’s gear during WWII.

For collectors of WWII firearms and militaria, this is an exceptional find. Not only is the Colt Commando an important piece of wartime history, but the complete Shore Patrol setup adds immense historical value. Whether displayed as a museum-quality set or added to a personal collection, this is a rare opportunity to own a well-preserved example of America’s WWII homefront security and law enforcement history.