Pre-70 Series Colt Commander

I have a chance to buy a Pre-70 Series Colt Commander in 30 super. It is in approx. 90% condition with 2 magazines but no box or anything else. I have not seen the pistol yet, but assuming the description is accurate what would be the approx. value? Is this the model with the dark brown plastic grips or is that the later Series 70 Commander? Thanks in advance.
Roy

I think you meant Super .38 caliber. As far as I know all the pre-70 series Commanders had plastic grips with the molded in Rampant Colt, although their color will vary with when they were made.

Thanks, you are right its a 38 super. I know I proof read that post a couple of times, and I still missed that. Thanks again.
Roy

Worth in a range of $900-$1200

I just purchased the pistol, I will post some pictures shortly.

Serial number is 57XX-LW. I don't know the year of manufacture? The only blemish is the scratch on the right side of the receiver Thanks for any help.
Roy

"...right its a 38 Super..." S'ok, we'll let that one go. A bit of cold bluing will fix the scratch. Grips are no big deal. Frame's the same as any .45 Government.
.38 Super ammo isn't exactly inexpensive and most of the on-line suppilers are out of stock.
To use .45 ACP, you need another slide as a minimum.

I believe that's a 1950 Commander[second year of production] That's a pretty rare piece,so I wouldn't fool with it.Those grips are really fragile and will shrink and warp,if they have not already done so.And, NO,I don't think cold blue will work on the aluminium frame. If you have to have one to use, sell that one to a collector and you should get enough to buy a later one and plenty of ammo. Just my opinion. Nick

The early plastic grips did not have the tendency to shrink and crack, and those don't show any signs of shrinkage. You are correct that cold blue doesn't work on aluminum alloy.
The Government Model receivers were steel, where the Commanders were aluminum alloy. I guess I missed the part where Roy said he wanted to shoot .45 ACP in the pistol.

Thanks everyone for your comments. I am happy I was able to purchase this pistol. The grips do not show any signs of shrinking nor cracking. I believe the grips are original to the pistol. I might shoot just a couple of rounds through it, just because I have never fired the 38 super round. No I was not going to shoot 45 in the pistol. Any advise on the scatch? Thanks again.
Roy

I have seen our local gunsmith use an aluminum touch-up on alloy receivers. I have a feeling he got it from Brownells, but will try and remember to ask him.

I think that Birchwood Casey made a product called "Aluma-Black" I don't know anything about it but I remember seeing it.

Johnny, Do you know what was the first year of the brown plastic grips that shrink and warp? Thanks, Nick

I do not, but the ones that shrink are a dull flat brown color, where the early post WWII commercial grips have some shine, and are a more mottled color. Some even show reds and orange mixed in with the brown color.
The grips that shrink are normally easy to spot on a pistol, as there will be a gap above the bottom grip screw and a gap below the top grip screw from the shrinkage on the pistol. Never buy these grips without trying them on your pistol first.

Thanks Johnny, I have a 1969 Commander that is unfired but with the "crappy" shrunken grips. Nick

Finally talked to the gunsmith, and he uses the Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black which he gets from Brownell's. He said that on a scratch like your's to apply it with a toothpick on the scratch only, or in other words, don't try to blend it in. He also said a second application might be necessary.

Birchwood-Casey has an "Aluminun Black" that they sell in (IIRC) 4 ounce bottles. That should work to cover up the scratch. Have found many uses for it sperate from guns. Not that expensive.