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WWII Manhattan Project Colt Commando with Factory Letter & Security Badges
Guns International #: 103734325 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Military Revolvers - US - Colt Revolvers - Double Action Post-War
Seller's Information
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Seller: Snakeman99
Member Since: 4/23/17
State: Arizona
Zip: 85641
Country: United States
Phone: (520) 730-6812
Number of Active Listings: 7
Total Number of Listings: 129
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
In the event of a return, the Buyer is financially responsible for return shipping.
Payment Types Accepted: USPS Money Order, Certified Cashiers (Bank) Check
Description:
Colt Commando shipped to Oak Ridge, Tennessee in August of 1944. Oak Ridge was a critical Manhattan Project site that produced the enriched Uranium used in the “Little Boy” atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan on August 6th, 1945. The factory Archive Letter confirms the revolver’s configuration and shipping details. The “District Engineer” mentioned in the letter was no other than Colonel Kenneth D. Nichols.
Army Chief of Staff General George C. Marshall designated Nichols as “Deputy District Engineer” when the Manhattan District was officially formed on August 16, 1942. He served in this title until January of 1947 when the Atomic Energy Commission took control.
The revolver is in very good/original condition showing only slight wear from serving as a security sidearm at Oak Ridge. The action is crisp, lock up is tight, and the bore is clean with strong lands and grooves. Also included is an early (circa 1943) original set of security badges worn by guards on site during the war. These guards were assigned perimeter access control, traffic control, and other typical “police work”. They were stationed at the gates, in patrol cars, on horseback, at Army engineering headquarters, critical utility systems, and other special buildings. These guards were under the direction of six Army officers assigned to the Intelligence & Security Division of the Manhattan Engineer District.
Over the past 20 years I’ve noted only two other documented Manhattan Project Colt Commandos offered for sale. However, they both lettered as being part of an earlier shipment and were addressed to the “Clinton Engineering Works” at Oak Ridge. This was indeed the same location, but with no mention of the word “Manhattan”. To me there’s just something special about seeing the actual “Manhattan District” name in the Archive Letter. Here’s an exceptionally rare opportunity to own a Colt revolver linked to a pivotal event in world history. Price includes shipping FFL to FFL CONUS.
Price: $8,950.00
Curio/Relic: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .38 Special
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Commando
Serial Number: 43874
Barrel Length: 4
Condition: Very Good
Finish: Parkerized
Manufacture Date: 1944
Item Location: Arizona