Colt Official Police - Commando model

[Morgan]

Picked up one of these today, in Good to VG condition, for $300.

I know the Commando was a wartime model, starting with Serial number 1 in 1942. Mine is in the low 3900's. Anyone know when it was made, and when they stopped making them?

 

[Dfariswheel]

According to factory records, the Commando was made in 1942 and 1943.
Serial numbers in those two years went from #1 to #50617.

Yours was almost certainly made in 1942.

 

[Morgan]

Thanks.

I found a great article on the Commando/Official Police at:

http://www.manatarmsbooks.com/pate.html

Apparently they were made through early 1945, and shipped into 1946.

Now, does anyone know who makes a good belt holster for this? Does the Trooper hoslter fit? And where would I find a military holster?

 

[Dfariswheel]

It's suspected that Colt actually MADE the Commands in one run in '42-'43 and shipped from this stock until the end of the war.

In any case, the Commando WAS just an Official Police, so it would be no problem to turn some out as needed.

For holsters, any holster that will fit the OLD model Trooper, or even the Python should fit fine, as long as it's not one that have very close, intricate molding around the barrel.

For a military holster, originals can often be found on Ebay.
For new-made replicas, check out the offerings from:
Pacific Canvas & Leather
P.O. Box 291909
Phelan, CA 92329-1909
760) 868-3856
Call for a free catalog.

They offer replicas of all US military holsters made from the original ordnance drawings.

 

[Morgan]

Interesting stuff.

I did a search on Pacific Canvas, and Cruffler.com also speaks highly of them:

http://www.cruffler.com/Features/APR-02/accessory-review-april-02.html

I've got a brochure on the way.

Thanks again!