Description
Item Description
Click here to view the Live Auction 1083424687
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this Historic WWII-era double-action revolver for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Commando!
The Colt Factory Letter states that this example was sold to the United States Government and shipped to the United States Maritime Commission Warehouse with the 4" Barrel and Parkerized finish in Reading, Pennsylvania, on September 9th, 1943.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Commando
Serial: 20689
Date of Manufacture: 1943
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Parkerized
Barrel Length: 4"
Optics/Sights: Round Blade Front with Integral Rear
Stock/Grips: Reddish-Brown Checkered Synthetic “Coltwood”
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard / Stamped with British-proof markings throughout.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Commando, introduced during World War II, was a wartime adaptation of Colt’s Official Police revolver, designed primarily for non-combat military personnel and domestic defense roles. Produced from 1942 to 1945, the Colt Commando was a simplified, parkerized version of the Official Police, which featured a dull, matte finish to minimize glare and improve durability in harsh conditions. The revolver was chambered in .38 Special and typically featured a 4-inch barrel, though rare 2-inch and 6-inch versions have been reported. The Commando was issued to defense plant guards, civilian police forces, and other auxiliary military units, with an estimated 50,000 units manufactured. While the revolver retained much of the Official Police’s design, it had several noticeable differences, such as the use of Coltwood grips (a reddish-brown synthetic), which were prone to shrinkage, and the omission of checkering on the trigger and cylinder release. These modifications were made to streamline production, meeting the urgent demand for firearms during the war.
Model: Commando
Serial: 20689
Date of Manufacture: 1943
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Parkerized
Barrel Length: 4"
Optics/Sights: Round Blade Front with Integral Rear
Stock/Grips: Reddish-Brown Checkered Synthetic “Coltwood”
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard / Stamped with British-proof markings throughout.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Commando, introduced during World War II, was a wartime adaptation of Colt’s Official Police revolver, designed primarily for non-combat military personnel and domestic defense roles. Produced from 1942 to 1945, the Colt Commando was a simplified, parkerized version of the Official Police, which featured a dull, matte finish to minimize glare and improve durability in harsh conditions. The revolver was chambered in .38 Special and typically featured a 4-inch barrel, though rare 2-inch and 6-inch versions have been reported. The Commando was issued to defense plant guards, civilian police forces, and other auxiliary military units, with an estimated 50,000 units manufactured. While the revolver retained much of the Official Police’s design, it had several noticeable differences, such as the use of Coltwood grips (a reddish-brown synthetic), which were prone to shrinkage, and the omission of checkering on the trigger and cylinder release. These modifications were made to streamline production, meeting the urgent demand for firearms during the war.
The Colt Commando also carried several identifying marks that distinguished it from commercial models. Most Commandos feature the US Government’s "Flaming Bomb" inspector stamp on the left rear frame, along with standard Colt inspection stamps and the "VP" proof mark on the trigger guard. However, not all Commandos bear the Flaming Bomb stamp, and it's not uncommon to find parts from the Official Police model interchanged with Commando revolvers due to the shared design. After the war, many Commandos were reallocated to various government agencies and police departments, often receiving additional stamps or markings reflecting their new ownership. Some Commandos even received commercial walnut grips as replacements. The Colt Commando thus represents a critical wartime adaptation, blending functionality with simplicity, and continues to be a historically significant firearm in Colt’s legacy.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the serial matching factory Colt letter, non-serialized box, genuine leather holster, and all other contents seen above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
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