WWII U.S. Colt Commando Model 4″ .38 Special SA/DA Revolver, MFD 1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1225
LSB#: 210205MS27
Make: Colt
Model: Commando
Serial Number: 32419
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 an upside-down “A”. The top-rear of the frame on the left is marked “G.H.D.” a flaming bomb ordnance mark. The crane and crane cut are each marked with the serial number and the crane cut is also marked “C” and “L”.
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 Coltwood with molded Colt medallions and smooth borders. The grips have a few light nicks and scratches in the smooth borders. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
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 93% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some scattered discoloration which appears to be from dried grease. The action shows light operational wear with a thin, light turn-line on the cylinder, most notable in the lead-in grooves. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up solidly on all chambers 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 in nice shape, retaining much of its original finish, Coltwood grips, a nice bore and strong mechanics. This revolver should make a great addition to a Colt or WWII small arms collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!