Make: Colt

Model: Commando, Massachusetts National Guard

Serial Number: 34476

Year of Manufacture: 1943

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Cylinder Revolver

Barrel Length: 4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade, and the rear sight is a notch integral to the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered “Coltwood” plastic panels with rampant colts molded into their tops. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized (Parco-Lubrite)

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its original Parkerized finish. The metal surfaces show minimal handling marks, and the finish remains consistent. The screw heads are sharp, and the markings remain crisp and well-defined.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up tightly with minimal play. The double-action trigger pull is smooth, and the single-action break is crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: As the United States entered World War II, demand for all things military strained even the massive industrial capacity of America. Front-line arms were prioritized for front-line units, but there was also a need to arm law enforcement, guards at factories and other sites with strategic importance, the Maritime Commission and various other non-combat roles which still required arms. To help fill this demand, Colt produced a variation of their Official Police revolver with specifications determined by the US Government. The result was the Commando revolver, roughly equivalent to Smith & Wesson’s Victory model, with 50,617 produced from 1942-1945. This example is quite interesting, not only because it has been so well preserved but also because it is one of 300 procured by the Massachusetts National Guard. According to Charles Pate’s book “U.S. Handguns of World War II The Secondary Pistols and Revolvers”, the 300 revolvers were sent in two shipments, February and March, 1944. According to Pate, “These revolvers were apparently used very little, if at all, before being dipped in Cosmoline, wrapped in heavy paper and placed back into their craft boxes for long-term storage”. This revolver fits that description to a T, with some of its cosmoline and wrapped in heavy paper. It should make a great addition to a Colt or WWII small arms collection, especially if you’re from the Bay State. Please see our pictures and good luck!