Colt Gold Cup National Match pre-Series ’70 1911 .45 ACP Semi Auto Pistol, MFD 1969 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,580
LSB#: 200603HE03
Make: Colt
Model: Gold Cup National Match
Serial Number: 35279-NM
Year of Manufacture: 1969 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol.
Markings: The right side of the slide is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The left side of the slide is marked “NATIONAL / *MATCH*”, “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / CALIBER .45” with a rampant Colt logo. The right side of the frame is marked “35279-NM”. There is a “VP” in triangle proof on the left side of the trigger guard, the right of the trigger guard is marked “T”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT .45 AUTO. N.M.”. The top of the rear sight is marked “ELLIASON”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade that is fixed to the finely serrated top rib of the slide. The rear sight is an square notch that is adjustable for windage and elevation pinned to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have some discoloration from oil and handling with minor tool marks around the grip screws. The checkering is generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. Most of the balance is in scattered spots of minor surface oxidation, most easily seen in the frontstrap where there is light handling wear and in the side faces of the hammer and trigger. Some edges show light thinning, most notable in the serrations. The action shows very light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The recoil spring plunger has a beveled edge with a matching bevel on the rear of the barrel bushing. The slide has barely perceptible play to the frame. The trigger is light and crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a wood presentation case with fitted blue foam interior and a single 7-round Colt magazine. The magazine has light operational wear and finish wear on the floorplate with intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Very Good condition. The case has minor storage wear, in about Fine condition.
Our Assessment: Introduced as an off-the-shelf target pistol, Colt’s Gold Cup National Match 1911s have been a benchmark standard of quality for decades. There have been some variations since their introduction in the late ’50s, the Series ’70 introduced a collet barrel bushing, series ’80 a firing pin safety, and newer models offered various combinations of features, grips and sights. This is one of the earlier production pistols, made before they started marking them with the “Gold Cup” name. The pistol is in Very Good condition, showing fairly light operational wear, but having developed some minor surface oxidation. The bore is still great and the mechanics are strong. Whether you’re looking for a great 1911-style target pistol or want to add an early-style Gold Cup National Match to your collection, this is a nice old pony. Please see our photos and good luck!