Lot 484: F.B.I. Shipped Colt Lightweight Commander Semi-Automatic Pistol

Manufactured in 1949, the first year of production, this is one of only 65 Colt Commander pistols made that year. These first 65 pistols produced all had "00" serial numbers, 001-0065, before Colt decided to add an "LW" suffix to the serial numbers starting with "66" in 1950. The left side of the slide is marked "GOVERNMENT/MODEL", "COLT", and "AUTOMATIC CALIBER .45" followed by the Rampant Colt, while the right has the Colt address. The right side of the aluminum frame is marked with the exceptionally early first year serial number "009". The left side of the trigger guard is marked "5/VP". It is fitted with blade and notch sights, serrated trigger, arched serrated mainspring housing, and a ring hammer. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration (grips not listed), as well as shipment to Special Agent Joseph Varnek at the F.B.I. Laboratory in Washington, D.C. on 14 December 1949 as a lone gun shipment. It is not entirely clear how many of these first 65 Colt Commander pistols were shipped to the F.B.I., though other known examples exist. It appears likely that these guns were shipped to individual agents at the bureau for possible field testing, perhaps in an effort to further market the newly designed pistol. Provenance: The Gus Cargile Collection

Excellent, retains 98% plus of the original blue and black anodized finishes with some light holster type wear on the front right of the slide and a few small spots of finish loss on the front strap. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.