12/4/20 - This is an excellent example of a rare and early Colt Super .38 Automatic. This one was made in 1931, third year of production. Taking the tested and proven design of the Colt Government Model and configuring it to fire a high-velocity cartridge with a flat trajectory and impressive muzzle energy, the Super 38 was marketed to law enforcement on the basis of it's ability to punch through auto bodies and the available body armor of the day. While the introduction of the 357 Magnum revolver stole some of the Super 38's thunder, the design found a new life in foreign markets where legal restrictions of "military" weapons and ammunition made it one of the best defensive packages available to civilians, and has seen a renaissance with the rise of competitive "Practical" shooting. This particular example has about 94-95% of the lustrous Colt bluing remaining. Most of the finish loss is on the front strap but there is some oxidation on the slide, especially along the top. Minty bore and excellent grips. Comes with a correct two-tone magazine, and a later spare that is marked COLT .38 SUPER AUTO on the bottom and blued throughout. Slide is matching numbered to the frame.
