Highly Desirable Master Knifemaker Robert W. "Bob" Loveless Colt "Old Smoothie" Combat Commander Semi-Automatic Pistol with Relief Carved Ivory Grips and Case Robert Waldorf "Bob" Loveless is undoubtedly one of the greatest American knifemakers of all time and is considered by many to have been one of the most talented in the world. By 1960, Loveless had begun making his own designs and innovations, reinventing the 19th century "fully-tapered-tang" method of knife construction, introducing knives made from ATS-34 stainless steel in 1972, as well as pioneering the use of micarta for grips. He was actively involved in knifemaking essentially up until his death in 2010, leaving behind a highly respected legacy. Though knives were always his primary work, Loveless also dabbled in gunsmithing, becoming highly sought after and very skilled. An article in "The Gun Digest Book of the .45" by Dean A. Grennell covers Loveless' work on Colt Commander pistols like this one quite extensively. It is noted that Loveless took Jeff Cooper's course in applied pistolcraft where he used an alloy frame Colt Commander which got his creative cogs turning about how the pistol could be improved. The article notes that his main goal became "de-fanging" the pistols, essentially removing any sharp edges or jagged corners that were hard on the hands while shooting or the body while being carried, with Loveless calling the initial pistol he modified "Old Smoothie". The alloy framed example pictured in the article shows very similar modifications to the example offered here. Interestingly, the article specifically states that Loveless would perform the modifications for customers but only on the alloy-framed Lightweight Commander pistols, not the steel-framed Combat Commanders like this example, quite possibly making this example one-of-a-kind or at the very least extremely scarce. The article states that Loveless felt that the added weight of the steel frame defeated the purpose of his modifications, though it is clear from this example that they were certainly still welcome improvements. Loveless' views on cosmetic improvements to gun are also quoted in the article, in which he states, "A gun with a pleasing appearance tends to be valued proportionally and an ugly gun tends to get traded off for something that looks nicer." Having this example in our hands, we certainly agree with his sentiments. Manufactured in 1971, this is a scarce and highly attractive example of a Bob Loveless customized Colt Combat Commander pistol. The pistol was thoroughly "de-fanged" by Loveless, having many of the edges and corners smoothed for more comfortable carry and shooting. The slide retains the typical Colt markings on either side, with the addition of the Loveless mark etched on the front left featuring a reclined nude woman. The right of the frame has the one-line Colt address and the serial number. As with the pistol pictured in the above article, the front grip strap, mainspring housing, and front of the trigger guard are lightly stippled. The mainspring housing has been reshaped to a lower profile with less swell. It is fitted with a ramp blade front sight, notch rear sight, and a pair of ivory grips attractively relief carved with a semi-nude woman on either side, with the inside of the right panel hand carved with the artist's "KDH" initials. Includes a hardwood case without a fitted interior. The consignor, Jack Lucarelli, notes that Bob Loveless used to say "I can count my friends on one hand", and that he and his wife Jeannie Wilson were included among that select group.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Combat Commander

BBL: 4 1/4 inch round

Gauge: 45 ACP

Finish: blue

Grips: relief carved ivory

Serial Number70BS3969

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Provenance: The Jack Lucarelli Collection
  • Condition: Excellent as configured by Master Knifemaker Bob Loveless, retaining 98% of the blue finish with some extremely light edge wear and a few very light handling marks. The grips are exceptionally fine with an attractively aged tone, a few extremely faint age lines, and crisp relief carving. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with a few light handling marks. This is a rare opportunity to own a skillfully customized firearm by one of the talented knifemakers this country has known: Bob Loveless!

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by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

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