Manufactured in 1949, this is one of only 65 pistols that were manufactured in the introductory year for the Colt Commander semi-automatic pistol, pre-dating the introduction of the "LW" serial number suffix which began at the start of 1950. Blade front and notch rear sights, with "COLT AUTOMATIC/CAL. 9MM. LUGER" on the left side of the slide next to the Rampant Colt and the one-line Hartford address on the right. The right side of the aluminum frame is stamped with the 4-digit "00" serial number, with "95" and "N/VP" on the trigger guard, a short serrated trigger, ring hammer, checkered plastic grips and an arched serrated mainspring housing. The left side of the slide is inscribed "H.E. Pulliam", in a style that suggests factory work. Though a 100% positive identification has not been made, research into the pistol has turned up 2 relevant facts: 1) an unknown number of early Commanders were presented by Colt to ranking officers participating in the Allied Occupation of Japan in the late 40s/early 50s, including examples inscribed in a similar fashion to the one seen here and 2) a Colonel Henry E. Pulliam was in charge of the Public Safety Division of the Occupation during the relevant time period. A division of the Intelligence Section of the Supreme Command, Allied Powers, the PSD was responsible for the post-War restructuring of the Japanese Police, as well as suppressing potential Communist activity. As the armament of Japan's police fell under the PSD's purview, Colonel Pulliam would be a logical target for the traditional strategy of sending "presentation" or "sample" pistols to government and military leaders in position to make purchasing decisions.

Excellent with over 99% of the original blue/anodized finish, showing minor handling marks and edge wear overall. The grips are excellent with sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. An extremely rare introductory production Colt Commander pistol in virtually unbeatable condition.