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LOT 484
Exceptional Documented F.B.I. Shipped First Year Production Colt Lightweight Commander Semi-Automatic Pistol Serial Number 009 with Factory
Letter - Serial no. 009, 45 ACP
cal., 4 1/4 inch round bbl.,
blue/black anodized finish, walnut grips. 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.
CONDITION: 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.
Provenance: The Gus Cargile Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
LOT 485
Documented Pacific Military Intelligence Chief Attributed Early Pre-Production Colt Lightweight Commander Semi-Automatic Pistol in .38 Super with Factory
Letter - Serial no. 0054, 38 super auto cal., 4 1/4 inch round bbl., blue/black anodized finish, carved grips. Manufactured in 1949, this
is an exceptionally scarce example of one of the first 65 Colt Lightweight Commander pistols that was manufactured. These first 65 pistols were serial numbered 001-0065, not having the “LW” suffix or “CLW” prefix
that are seen on later production examples. These early pistols appear to have mostly been sent out as samples
by Colt to prominent figures in military intelligence and federal policing, investigation, and intelligence organizations, likely to gain
feedback on the pistols and their desirability before ramping up full production. This pistol, like an example previously sold here at RIA serial number 0023), was sent to a military intelligence figure. Initially this pistol was sold to J.M. Dinken Co. in New York (like the other example), before being shipped to Colonel H.E. Pulliam of Public Safety Division by way of the postmaster of APO 500 in San Francisco on 10 October 1949. his information is listed in the included factory letter which also confirms the current configuration (grips and finish not listed). A private firearm
egistration form from the Provost Marshal of the Metropolitan Tokyo Area dated 1951 shows the pistol wound up in the hands of a Major Ralph
. Rinalducci as a “gift from manufacturer”. The form lists the pistol by serial number and states that Major Rinalducci’s organization was G-2, GHQ, EC, or Military Intelligence, General Headquarters, Far East Command. Another document gives further information on Rinalducci stating that prior
to World War II he was an attorney and police academy instructor, as well as the author of various articles regarding criminal law, modern police methods, and intelligence operations. During the war he spent his entire career involved in military intelligence including a 20 year tour of duty in Japan as the Chief of Special Intelligence Activities, Military Intelligence Section, General Headquarters, Far East Command, serving under General Douglas MacArthur. During his career he was awarded numerous commendations and citations,
including several Legions of Merit. The pistol itself is marked with “COLT”, “SUPER .38/AUTOMATIC”, and the Rampant Colt on the left of the slide, with the Colt address on the right. The right of the frame has the early production serial number “0054” and the trigger guard is marked “5/VP” and “7” on the left and right respectively. It is fitted with blade and notch sights, serrated ring hammer, serrated trigger, short grip safety, a pair of grips masterfully carved with Japanese dragons which were very likely acquired during his 20 years in Japan, and a Colt .38 Super marked full blue magazine. CONDITION: Excellent, retains 98% plus of the original blue and black anodized finishes with some scattered light handling marks. The grips are also excellent with minimal handling marks and crisp carving. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Dr. Robert Azar Collection.
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
Collector’s Fact
One of only 65 produced in 1949,
with most examples being sent to prominent military intelligence and law enforcement figures. This pistol was shipped to FBI Special Agent Joseph Varnek at the FBI Laboratory in Washington, DC.
(
T r J F
Collector’s Fact
One of only 65 produced in 1949, with most examples being sent to prominent military intelligence and law enforcement figures. This pistol was owned by Major Ralph Rinalducci, Chief of Special Intelligence Activities in the Far East Command.
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