Colt Pre-Gold Cup National Match 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1960 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2151

LSB#: 210723HE01

Make: Colt

Model: Gold Cup National Match

Serial Number: 6162-NM

Year of Manufacture: 1960 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol

Markings: The left of the slide is marked “NATIONAL / *MATCH*”, “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / CALIBER .45” and with a rampant colt, the right is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The right of the frame is marked with the serial number. The right of the trigger guard is marked “4”, the left is marked “Y” and “VP” in triangle. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT .45 AUTO N.M.”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade that is fixed into the serrated top rib of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch that is adjustable for windage and elevation, pinned to the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece stag panels. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.

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 96% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at some edges. There are some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and infrequent spots of very minor oxidation. There is some light wear on the frame from the original grips, most notable above the right stag panel. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol features a National Match barrel, adjustable rear sight, and wide, serrated adjustable trigger. The trigger is crisp. The slide has very minor play to the frame. 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: 

– Two-piece cardboard Colt Gold Cup Automatic National Match box.

– Factory paperwork including manual (manual is for a .38 Special National Match).

– One 7-round Colt magazine.

Our Assessment: In the mid-1900s the 1911 was used for all manner of pistol competitions, but the base Government model typically needed some tweaking and modification to get the best performance. In 1957, Colt introduced their Gold Cup National Match, an out-of-the-box, purpose-built target pistol with adjustable target sights, hand-fit parts, serrated grip frame and adjustable trigger. This example is from 1960, an early Gold Cup made about ten years before the pistols would actually be marked “GOLD CUP”. It appears to have seen little use, but has been equipped with a set of custom stag grip panels. It retains about 96% of its metal finish, a great bore and strong mechanics. All of these old National Match pistols are collectible, this early example will make a great addition to a collection, but should also prove to be a great shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!