Essex/Colt Commander 1911 .38 Super, 4.25 in Barrel, Custom Hybrid Build, Steel Frame, 9+1
This compact Commander-length 1911 pairs an Essex Arms steel frame with a Colt Commander .38 Super upper assembly. It features a 4.25 in barrel, GI-style fixed sights, and classic 1911 controls in a parts-built configuration. Colt slide and barrel markings, along with Essex frame rollmarks, add clear provenance to the hybrid build. Includes one 9-round single-stack magazine.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Scratches and blemishes are present across the metal surfaces. Widespread pitting and rust are visible. The right grip panel is missing, as is one of the grip bushings. The manual safety is not functional: when the trigger is pulled with the safety engaged upward, the safety drops and allows the hammer to fall. It is recommended that a qualified gunsmith service this pistol for safe usage.
What’s Included
- Essex/Colt Commander 1911 pistol chambered in .38 Super
- 1x 9-round single-stack steel magazine
This 1911 is a pairing of an Essex Arms frame with a Colt Commander upper assembly. The frame is rollmarked "ESSEX ARMS CORP. ISLAND POND, VT.", while the slide reads "COMMANDER MODEL COLT SUPER .38 AUTOMATIC" with the Rampant Colt. The barrel hood is marked "COLT SUPER .38 AUTO." This clearly identifies the parts pedigree of the hybrid build.
The Commander-length top end features a 4.25 in barrel retained by a standard barrel bushing. It uses a checkered recoil spring plug and a standard short guide rod. The slide carries rear-only vertical serrations and an unlowered ejection port, consistent with GI-style characteristics.
Sighting equipment is GI-type fixed: a plain rear notch paired with a front blade that has a red/orange paint fill for visibility. Controls include a 1911-pattern hammer, a GI-length left-side thumb safety, and a standard grip safety. The mainspring housing is arched with vertical serrations, and the front strap is smooth.
The pistol is chambered in .38 Super with a 9+1 stated capacity. It uses a short, solid trigger and a steel Essex frame. The left grip panel is a brown checkered synthetic type, with the right panel absent as noted in the condition. A single 9-round, 1911-pattern steel magazine is included.