Colt Cobra First Issue .38 Special, 2 inch D-Frame Revolver (1954) - Blued/Alloy, 6-Shot
This 1954 Colt Cobra First Issue is a classic D-frame .38 Special with the early unshrouded ejector rod and fixed sights. It retains its factory 2 inch barrel, aluminum alloy frame, and steel cylinder. Matching LW-suffix serials on the frame and crane confirm the lightweight configuration, and the action is smooth with tight lockup.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This revolver is in great shape for its age, with some scratches and blemishes present. The finish shows wear on the interior of the frame. The action is smooth and the lockup is tight. The sights have been painted over. The cylinder presents a matte in-the-white/gray finish (non-blued), creating a two-tone, non-factory appearance.
What’s Included
- No box or accessories are included; any boxes shown in photos (including the vintage Colt Cobra cardboard box and the small trigger-shoe box) are not included.
First-issue features define this Cobra: an unshrouded ejector rod with a knurled tip; fixed square-notch rear sight integral to the topstrap; and an integral ramped front sight on a 2 inch steel barrel with a longitudinally serrated rib. The topstrap is serrated to reduce glare, and the right rear of the frame carries the rampant Colt logo. Factory barrel rollmarks read "COBRA .38 SPECIAL CTG." on one side and "COLT'S MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT.
U.S.A." on the other.
The lightweight aluminum alloy frame pairs with a blued steel barrel and a matte in-the-white/gray steel cylinder, resulting in a two-tone appearance; the cylinder finish is non-factory. The double-action/single-action mechanism is controlled by a narrow trigger and an exposed, checkered-spur hammer for positive cocking.
Matching LW-suffix serials on the frame and crane identify this as a lightweight alloy-frame Cobra in its early configuration. Manufactured in 1954 in the United States, it represents the first-issue pattern that preceded later design updates.
Factory checkered wood grip panels with gold Colt medallions complete the period-correct appearance. Fixed sights keep the profile clean, and the compact 2 inch barrel makes this classic Colt a well-balanced snub configured as originally shipped.