Colt Commando date of manufacture

PALADIN85020 · #1 03-10-2010, 07:31 PM

I'm hoping some of you guys knowledgeable on Colt revolvers might be able to help in determining the date of manufacture of a WWII Colt Commando, serial # 155XX. Here's a pic. My best guess is sometime in 1943, but I'm looking for a more specific time frame. Thanks!

Dan M · #2 03-10-2010, 08:35 PM

proofhouse.com shows 1942-43 for the Commando 1-50617. I would guess yours would be 1942 based on the earlier serial #. but its just a guess.

Dan

John Wyatt · #3 03-10-2010, 11:09 PM

I would also guess 1942. I have a 20,xxx range gun marked with the ordnance bomb proof as yours is. I also have a 39,xxx range Commando with a "P" proof and punch mark on the upper left frame and "P" proofs on the rear of the cylinder and under side of the barrel and a 47,xxx range Commando with no Govt. marks, only the Colt factory markings. These are interesting revolvers and most were used by production plant guards and civilian law enforcement in the same manner as S&W Victory revolvers. I believe that even though the ser # ranges go just above 50,xxx, just less than 50,000 were produced, making them harder to find than Victory models. Colt also made a factory 2in barrel variant and some were also stamped "GHD," for Col. Guy H Drewery, the commanding officer of the Hartford Ordnance District. Does yours have any other markings ?

PALADIN85020 · #4 03-11-2010, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Wyatt

I would also guess 1942. I have a 20,xxx range gun marked with the ordnance bomb proof as yours is. I also have a 39,xxx range Commando with a "P" proof and punch mark on the upper left frame and "P" proofs on the rear of the cylinder and under side of the barrel and a 47,xxx range Commando with no Govt. marks, only the Colt factory markings. These are interesting revolvers and most were used by production plant guards and civilian law enforcement in the same manner as S&W Victory revolvers. I believe that even though the ser # ranges go just above 50,xxx, just less than 50,000 were produced, making them harder to find than Victory models. Colt also made a factory 2in barrel variant and some were also stamped "GHD," for Col. Guy H Drewery, the commanding officer of the Hartford Ordnance District. Does yours have any other markings ?

Other than the normal Colt proof marks, just the "flaming bomb" stamp at the rear of the top strap on the left side, which you can see in the photo. According to Charlie Pate's book, the first Commando went out in late November, 1942. By this serial number, I'm guessing early 1943?

Still looking for a more definitive date for this gun!