Colt Super .38 Automatic 3rd Model 1911A1 1911-A1 5” SA Semi-Automatic Pistol & Box, MFD 1953 C&R

SOLD FOR $3,275.00
LSB#: 180522TP12

Make: Colt

Model: Super .38 Automatic, 2nd Model

Serial Number: 109322

Year of Manufacture: 1953 (Proof House)

Caliber: .38 Super

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT”, “SUPER .38 / AUTOMATIC” and with a Rampant Colt logo. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT’S MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked “R” and the left rear with a “VP in a triangle. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “95”. The right side of the frame above the trigger is marked “109322”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short rounded bladed with a serrated rear ramp that is fixed to the top of the slide. The rear sight is a square notched sight that is dovetailed into the top of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered Coltwood: reddish brown plastic with streaks of black. There is a Rampant Colt logo in the top half of each grip. The checkering shows extremely light wear that is still sharp to the touch. There are no marks in the smooth borders. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: This pistol is blued. The sides of the slide and frame have a polished blue finish while the rest of the pistol is matte black. The trigger and mainspring housing are serrated.

Finish Originality: The finish is original.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are a few light handling marks in the slide and front strap. The serrations on the slide and mainspring housing, and the knurling and serrations on the small parts are sharp. The grip screws are sharp and the markings are crisp. Overall, this pistol rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The trigger pull is crisp. The slide is tight on the frame. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with one blued nine round magazine. The body is blued and the floorplate has a matte black finish and is marked “COLT” and “SUPER / 38 AUTO.”. There is minimal wear in the body and a few light marks on the floorplate. The magazine is in about Excellent condition. The magazine is in about Very Good condition. The pistol also comes with its original box, owner’s manual and bore brush. The box is cardboard with a dark brown color. The top of the lid is marked “COLT” in gold colored lettering, and the bottom surface of the box is marked “109322” with orange crayon. One end panel has a factory label marked with the correct make, model and caliber of this pistol. The inside of the lid is marked with a Rampant Colt logo. The lid is attached to the bottom of the box with a cloth hinge covered in paper. The cloth part of the hinge is intact, but the paper is torn at both ends. The edges of the box are frayed and the two right corners of the lid are torn and have been repaired with scotch tape. The inside of the box shows a tiny tear in the lid, and the bottom of the box is still protected by the original waxed shipping paper. The box is in about Very Good condition. The bore brush is white, black and brown nylon with a wire handle, and is stored in its original paper tube. The bore brush is unused. The owner’s manual is a four-page sheet that has slight tears in the upper fold on both the front and back page. The manual is in about Fine condition.

Our Assessment: The .38 Super cartridge was first introduced by Colt in 1928 as a higher pressure loading of the .38 ACP. It is capable of driving a 115 gr. bullet to nearly 1400 fps., producing almost 500 ft-lbs. of energy. This is not quite up to the .357 Magnum, but was still capable of penetrating body armor and automobile bodies. Today, the cartridge is favored by many top pistol match competitors for its ability to make “Major” category with a lighter bullet offering less felt recoil than that produced with from a .45 ACP round. Colt first introduced the round in its 1911A1 frame, making it basically the same as the Government Model except for the caliber. The 1911 pistol had already gained a reputation as a highly reliable pistol during WWI, Colt saw no reason not to capitalize on that reputation with a new caliber offering. This Super .38 pistol was made after WWII and is a 3^rd Model, made with a heavier barrel than the 1^st and 2^nd models and easily recognized with a Rampant Colt logo on the left side of the slide instead of the right. It is in about Excellent condition with about 99% of its original metal finish remaining. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion and the slide is tight on the frame. To complete the package for the discerning collector, the pistol comes with its original cardboard box, owner’s manual and unused bore brush. The Super .38 pistols are highly prized by collectors, and this one should be no different. This pistol would be great for home protection and/or as a base for a custom target pistol, but there just weren’t that many of them made, and the collectors will price this well beyond reach of the shooters.

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This C&R eligible handgun CAN be transferred as a dealer sale in California and CAN be sold as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) at our Simi Valley shop. All cartridge firing handguns (even C&R’s and antiques) sold to a California resident must be DROS’d. This does not apply to out of state residents.