Colt Commander .45 ACP custom by Armand Swenson and Ross Seyfried, solid provenance, layaway

Swenson custom Colt Commander .45 ACP. Shipped from Colt in 1972, serial number 70BS12112 was shortly thereafter forwarded to legendary pistolsmith Armand Swenson for modification and accurizing. While the extent of internal modifications and improvements are lost to time, Swenson masterfully bordered and stippled the top of the slide (full length), serrated the rear of the slide and cut fine checkering into both the front strap and mainspring housing. Gunwriter and competition shooter Ross Seyfried purchased the Commander in 1977 and returned it to Swenson in 1978 for a "tune-up" that included trigger work, a new Micro barrel bushing and installation of a Smith & Wesson adjustable rear sight. Seyfried "began to win instead of place" and also shot his first IPSC match with this pistol, placing third. For the next 14 months, he used it exclusively and won every match. In late 2002, the consignor acquired the Swenson Commander directly from Seyfried. CONDITION: The steel-frame Colt has not been modified or altered since 2002. The bore is strong and bright. Mechanics appear proper. At some point prior to 2002 the frame developed a fatigue crack in the predictable location (just ahead of the slide stop pin) and has been repaired. Metal finish is approximately 70 percent, with general thinning and scratches born of competition. The checkered wood grips are solid. MARKINGS: In addition to the standard Colt markings, Swenson's stamp appears just above the serial. Both "Martell" (Seyfried purchased the Commander from R. J. Martell) and "Ross Seyfried" are inscribed on the inside of the frame. An "S" also appears beneath the trigger guard and on the rear sight. PROVENANCE: Dated December 1, 2002, a signed letter from Seyfried to the consignor recounts the details as presented. Additionally, a photocopy of Seyfried's feature article from the October, 1998 issue of Guns & Ammo Magazine specifically addresses this pistol. INCLUSIONS: Stated provenance and a single Pachmayr stainless steel magazine with witness holes and bumper pad. The price is firm and layaway is available. A complete photo package is available by request (please include your direct email address with this request as the GA system does not support transfer of large digital files).