[budroe]

I've a friend who's been ask to sell an older LW Commander .38 Super for a lady who's husband just passed away. The SN dates the Colt to 1956. There are some blemishes on the frame but no rust. According to the lady the pistol had some military connection, but I have never heard of the Army fielding handguns in .38 Super; of course, there's a lot of things I don't know about LW Colts, .38 Supers or the military.

I have been forwarded several photos of the gun, and was hoping someone here with experience in Colts can help in estimating the gun's worth. Sorry, realize the photos aren't all that clear. Appreciate any help provided.

 

[Greg Derr]

The photos are too small to be of any use in determining condition or value.

 

[Razer]

Value on these is driven by how original it is along with condition. As Greg said, you can't tell much of either from the pics.

 

[mikegalway]

What I see looks pretty rough .

 

[budroe]

Yeah, I realized the photos were really small; that's the way they were sent to me. Sorry, I haven't an idea on how to enlarge them. I'll try to get my friend to send me some that are larger.

 

[budroe]

My son was able to enlarge the photos a bit - hope they show better now.

 

[SparkyAZ]

Maybe $1200-$1400 in my part of the world. Slide stop and thumb safety look like they have been replaced?
PS: Glad it is not a 1958, I would probably do something stupid...

 

[Greg Derr]

It looks original aside from the grips which would have been " Coltwood". It would be a good base gun if it has no cracks or internal battering. The finish is poor and would need to be redone by someone who knew what they were doing. In the condition is in, given that it is a Super .38 I would value it at $850. The first year of production was 1949 1/2.

 

[budroe]

Thanks guys. I'll pass that on to my friend.

 

[zChambers]

@TheCollector

 

[TheCollector]

I should send the O.P. the name of the guy on GB who could sell it for his friend as a "nearly virgin Colt" but only if he has the styrofoam box for which he will detail that in 12 pics. :grin:

 

[deadguy]

Several years ago I was offered a similar model in .45, and I believe it was a 1952 or 1954 production. Selling price was $750, and it was in better shape than this one. However, as Greg said, being a .38 Super, value may be higher.

 

[budroe]

Thanks guys, I do really appreciate the help with this. Has anyone here ever heard of the Army issuing a .38 Super Commander to any personnel?? The owner was not an officer, he was supposed to be in security, escorting some senior brass around Korea back in the mid-late 50s. Doesn't make much sense to me.

 

[sparkyfender]

That's a pretty nice pistol, taking into account the surface condition. I could go for it, as long as the internals haven't been buggered, which is a concern. Unless it is super collectible, I would opt for a refinish. Thanks for sharing!