The Major's Commander, abit of BBQ Finery

[quinn]

Major Fred Ritvo began his Army servie during Korea. He carried this early 1951 Colt Lightweight Commander during both of his tours in Vietnam. The carved ivory grips were a gift from his men. After his retirement he dedicated much of his time to assisting veterans and helped establish a veterans' resource center in Gloucester, MA. The ceter now bears his name.

The carved Heiser holster was a Christmas gift from my wife and serves the major's Colt very well, I think.

 

[msgdan]

Beautiful!

 

[Venom6]

May we ask how that magnificent and historical pistol came into your possession?

 

[quinn]

May we ask how that magnificent and historical pistol came into your possession?

Late in his life Maj. Vitmo gave the gun to a dear friend. This friend kept the gun for a number of yeras and wrote a letter giving the history of the Colt. At some point the gun became part of the collection of another forum member who, subsequently, allowed it to become part of my 'family'.

 

[Benton Quest]

Nothing quite like an honestly worn 50's Commander.

And this one even has a story.

I have a '56 with similar wear and I wish it could talk.

Sent from my SM-G990U using Tapatalk

 

[Baxter6551]

Is that beautiful commander a .45 or a .9mm? Great gun with a great history.
I have a nice Heiser for my 1947 Colt Commercial Govt. Neither the gun or holster can hold a candle to yours and the only story I know on the gun was it came from a small Armored Car company on the West Coast I believe Washington State. I took off the rubber grips and put those beautiful Hogue panels on there.

 

[quinn]

Is that beautiful commander a .45 or a .9mm? Great gun with a great history.

45acp; Serial: LW92xx

 

[LPD256]

I love guns with history. That's a special one Randy. Congrats

 

[Rudi]

Just wonderful!!

 

[ameridaddy]

It's good that has a good home.
Here's a bio from Findagrave:
Fred Wallis Ritvo (1931-2006) - Find a Grave Memorial.

 

[Ruger 13]

Very nice pistola!

 

[chief38]

A beautiful piece of history! I love stuff like that - I own my Dad's Colt 1911 that he bought back in 1960 from the DCM. It served in WWll (as did he, but not together) and has a history as well. Shoot it proudly.

The only thing I would have to change (if it were mine) is the top grip screw which looks like a replacement and is not the correct type.

 

[Rlg#17]

Love the Commander series out of all the 1911's. My absolute number 1 was an electroless nickel in 38 super.

A true gem there that has been used, but doesn't seem to be abused. Treasure it.

Regards, Rick Gibbs

 

[bruce5781]

That's a true heirloom, Randy.
The last gun that will leave my side is a '51 LW Commander in Super 38 out of the Valley.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

 

[1911haulic]

Late in his life Maj. Vitmo gave the gun to a dear friend. This friend kept the gun for a number of yeras and wrote a letter giving the history of the Colt. At some point the gun became part of the collection of another forum member who, subsequently, allowed it to become part of my 'family'.

Thanks for sharing.

Reminded me that I also have a LW Commander.

 

[ACP230]

The Commander series is among my favorite handguns.
Right along with S&W .41 Magnum revolvers.

 

[arjay]

That has some neat history and wear on it. Mines from the early 70s and, I suspect,spent its life in a sock drawer. I shot it some when I got it years ago,but the hammer bite with that short tang grew my groups a bunch lol
(I need to get it out again)

 

[quinn]

Link to article on Ritvo Veteran Services Center:

Look inside! Major Fred W Ritvo Veterans Center Gloucester Mass. – Good Morning Gloucester

 

[Krogen]

Link to article on Ritvo Veteran Services Center:

Look inside! Major Fred W Ritvo Veterans Center Gloucester Mass. – Good Morning Gloucester

This thread and the obituary linked in post 10 above show that Major Ritvo was a fine man. Being the caretaker of his personal firearm is a distinct honor, Thank you for sharing with us.

 

[LEO918]

Randy,
Great gun and history. Thanks for sharing.
Here's my Colt Commander 9mm with Ivory in a BBQ holster from El Paso Saddlery. No history other than my own.