Description
Few firearms bridge Hollywood legacy and Colt Custom Shop artistry as seamlessly as this extraordinary Colt Combat Commander, once personally owned by Tom Selleck. Built as part of an exclusive, highly limited Colt Custom Shop series, this pistol represents a convergence of American craftsmanship, celebrity provenance, and master engraving rarely encountered on the open collector market.
At its foundation, the Combat Commander platform offers the proven ergonomics and balance that made the Commander-length 1911 a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts alike. Chambered in .45 ACP, it delivers the authoritative performance expected of Colt’s most iconic fighting pistol, yet this example transcends its tactical roots, elevated into the realm of exhibition-grade artistry.
Master Engraving by S. KAMYK
The pistol features intricate, hand-cut scroll engraving executed by master engraver S. Kamyk, whose work transforms the Commander’s steel canvas into a flowing composition of traditional American scroll. The coverage is both tasteful and deliberate, accenting the slide flats, frame shoulders, and key contours without overwhelming the pistol’s purposeful lines.
Under gallery lighting, the engraving reveals remarkable depth and contrast against the pistol’s rich finish, showcasing the disciplined handwork and symmetry collectors expect from Colt Custom Shop presentation pieces.
Custom Shop Presentation & Finish
This Commander exhibits a refined, deep finish that enhances both the engraving and the pistol’s sculpted geometry. Every surface, from the slide serrations to the frame contours, reflects the meticulous attention to detail synonymous with Colt’s bespoke builds.
Equally striking are the smooth ivory-tone grips, which provide elegant contrast to the darkened steel. Their understated warmth complements the engraving while reinforcing the pistol’s presentation-grade aesthetic.
Documented Celebrity Provenance
Accompanying the pistol is a signed letter from Tom Selleck confirming its history and place within a special Colt Custom Shop grouping. According to the documentation, this Commander was one of four custom Colts commissioned, each representing a distinct model configuration within the series.
The letter further notes that this particular pistol served as Selleck’s personal carry for a brief period, though, as he states, it was ultimately “too nice to put that kind of wear and tear on.” The remaining companion pistols from the group were later donated to the NRA Firearms Museum, cementing the historical significance of the series.
Such direct, first-person documentation adds an irreplaceable layer of authenticity and narrative, transforming the firearm from a presentation piece into a tangible artifact of Hollywood and firearms culture alike.
