1934 boxed Colt Super .38

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11-07-2012, 01:49 PM
Scott Gahimer

1934 boxed Colt Super .38

This one is new to me. Just arrived yesterday. Looked pretty good in the images the seller sent me, but looked better up close and personal. It one of ca. 2970 Super .38 pistols produced on 1934.

1934 was the year Colt introduced the first caliber markings for their barrels. Initially, the marking was large and located on top of the bright chamber top, visible through the ejection port. Then the markings changed slightly and was moved to the left side of the chamber. Finally, by ca. 1935, the marking was standardized and remained on the left side of the chamber untill postwar production began and the marking was once again moved to the top of the chamber.

I'm not sure how many of these 1934 pistols were marked with this barrel marking...but I know it wasn't very many.

Anyway, here are some photos. Obviously, we were in the midst of The Great Depression. Sales were undoubtedly slow. The skilled workmen at Colt had plenty of time to do a nice job.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../10r6b1u-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../2co1r7m-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...1/ri9i6h-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../25qvx1d-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...1/dzh0dt-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../349bb0y-1.jpg
A nice, perfect matching wear pattern on the barrel and slide
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...1/ake6g1-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../124y0qt-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...1/vqk7mg-1.jpg
Complete with matching numbered box, paperwork and brush
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../2qs9bb5-1.jpg
11-07-2012, 07:17 PM
browningautorifle

For a gun that was meant originally to be used, this one looks to have only had proof rounds through it. No more. Very nice gun.
11-08-2012, 12:51 AM
jmoore

Quote:

Originally Posted by browningautorifle

For a gun that was meant originally to be used, this one looks to have only had proof rounds through it. No more. Very nice gun.

If it makes you feel better, here's a couple of used examples (Pre- and Post-WWII):

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff002-1.jpg
The Pre-WWII pistol definitely is built better, and shoots better, too. That's the beauty in finding "lower quality" pistols like these: no guilt in giving them serious range time! But anymore it's hard finding them "unmolested" but "experienced". Usually refinished or festooned with aftermarket goodies from whatever era.
11-08-2012, 04:03 PM
browningautorifle

Classic examples. They were meant to be used. It still amazes me that brand new ones still surface.
11-08-2012, 11:14 PM
jmoore

Quote:

Originally Posted by browningautorifle

Classic examples. They were meant to be used. It still amazes me that brand new ones still surface.

I'm glad Scott Gahimer shares his examples with us! In actual fact, his detailed photos are about as close to these pistols as I need to get. Great reference material. But not meant for my trigger pulling self.
11-09-2012, 10:28 AM
browningautorifle

Agreed. I have an AO new type here I can shoot the pi** out of, I'll leave the collectors guns to the collectors.
11-12-2012, 10:11 AM
Johnny Peppers

While all the pistols were originally meant to be used, over the years some have survived in such remarkable condition that their monetary value now far exceeds their value as simply a pistol.