Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a first year production 1934 Colt .38 Super Match attributed to author John Steinbeck, with factory box and checkered ivory grips. This shows the scarce “MATCH” only slide marking found on pistols from approximately serial 15,000 to 19,000.
According to “The Book of Colt Firearms,” only around 3,000 to 5,000 Super Match .38 pistols were manufactured from 1934-1947. The factory letter lists shipment to Bolles-Brendamour in Cleveland, Ohio on November 8, 1934 in .38 Super with 5 inch barrel and blue finish.
The .38 Super Match featured hand-honed action, checkered match trigger with hand-polished trigger pull, highly polished factory blue, and checkered grips. These were target-grade pistols for competition shooting.
The consignor attributes this to John Steinbeck, author of “Of Mice and Men” and “The Grapes of Wrath.” Steinbeck acted as military correspondent during World War II and Vietnam. While no specific record documents this pistol as Steinbeck’s, he was known to carry firearms after receiving threats due to his writings starting in the 1930s. Records show he registered to concealed carry a pair of 38 Colt Automatics in New York State in the 1940s, with prior application in 1938.
The slide is marked “MATCH/COLT SUPER .38/AUTOMATIC” with Rampant Colt. Features include adjustable sights, checkered slide stop, arched checkered mainspring housing, and two-tone magazine with correct base markings. The factory box is hand numbered to the gun.
Most of our POTDs utilize images from our friends at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms auction in the United States. Take some time to browse their current auctions – who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece of history to take home!
“First Year Production Colt .38 Super Match Pistol with Box.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4096/1282/first-year-production-colt-38-super-match-pistol-with-box. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
Managing Editor | AllOutdoor
Writer | TheFirearmBlog Instagram | sfsgunsmith Old soul, certified gunsmith, published author, avid firearm history learner, and appreciator of old and unique guns.
Trending Products
