Colt National Match Pre Gold Cup 1911 45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol 1968 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2600
LSB#: 210705HE05
Make: Colt
Model: National Match
Serial#: 29655-NM
Year of Manufacture: 1968 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup) C&R
Caliber/Gauge: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “NATIONAL / MATCH” with two stars around the word match, “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / CALIBER .45” and is marked with a rampant Colt logo. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with a partially stamped inspector’s proof and “VP” in a triangle. The grips feature a golden Colt medallion. The rear sight is marked “ELLIASON”. The barrel is marked “COLT .45 AUTO N.M.” The right side of the slide is marked “Colt’s PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number “23655-NM”. The right side of the trigger guard is marked with a “B”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the full-length rib on the top of the slide. The rear sight is an Elliason square notch sight adjustable for windage and elevation pinned to the slide. The top of the rib is serrated and the top of the slide is matte finished for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are checkered wood panels. There is no notable wear or damage to the grips, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are only a few very light scratches to the slide along with a few other very light scattered handling and storage marks on the pistol. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide to frame fit is snug. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, it may need a thorough cleaning to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: The pistol comes with a single magazine. The bottom of the magazine is marked “COLT .45 AUTO.” It has some minor wear and finish loss from past handling but remains in Very Good-Plus condition.
Our Assessment: Introduced as an off-the-shelf target pistol, Colt’s National Match 1911s have been a benchmark standard of quality for decades. There have been some variations since their introduction in the late ’50s, rebranded as the Gold Cup model 70 in later production. This is one of the National Match pistols made in 1968, produced before the Gold Cup markings were added. It has a solid barrel bushing rather than a collet one which was added to later models. The pistol is in Excellent condition, appearing to have seen little use. Whether you’re looking for a great 1911-style target pistol or want to add an early Colt National Match to your collection, this is a great option. Please see our photos and good luck!