WWII Early 4-Digit Colt Commando AAC Marked .38 Special Revolver, 1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1153
LSB#: 210607DW04
Make: Colt
Model: Commando
Serial Number: 6255
Year of Manufacture: 1942 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT COMMANDO / .38 SPECIAL”, the top is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. / PAT’D AUG.5.1884. JULY 4.1905. OCT.5.1926.”. The left-front of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle, the left-rear with “Y”. The top-rear of the frame on the left has a flaming bomb ordnance mark. The crane and crane cut are each marked with the serial number, the cut has inspector mark “L” and a double-stamped “3”. The sideplate is marked “A.A.C. / 21”.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch in the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut Sile panels with silver Colt medallions and “607” hand-written on the inside of each panel. The grips have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and thinning finish. The checkering has handling wear, but is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some scattered light wear around the outside of the cylinder. There is handling wear in the grip areas, most notable in the backstrap. The barrel has light wear at the muzzle. There is some scattered minor discoloration from oxidation. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with no play on each chamber with the trigger depressed. The double action trigger is smooth, the single action 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: None.
Our Assessment: As the United States entered World War II, demand for all things military strained even the massive industrial capacity of America. Front-line arms were prioritized for front-line units, but there was also a need to arm law enforcement, guards at factories and other sites with strategic importance, the Maritime Commission and various other non-combat roles which still required arms. To help fill this demand, Colt produced a variation of their Official Police revolver with specifications determined by the US Government. The result was the Commando revolver, roughly equivalent to Smith & Wesson’s Victory model, with 50,617 produced from 1942-1945. This example is a quite early example, with serial 6255 and has an “A.A.C.” marking on the sideplate, though we have not been able to determine what the significance of the marking is. The revolver has honest wear consistent with its use, retaining a great bore and strong mechanics. It should make a great addition to a Colt or WWII small arms collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!