*SOLD* 1943 Colt Commando .38 Spl Parkerized 4" *SCARCE WWII PRODUCTION REVOLVER*

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.
 
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. 

Feb 7th 2025 Bryant Ridge

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