Colt Houston PD Special Edition MK IV MKIV Series 70 Government 1911, 1979
SOLD FOR: $1775
LSB#: 210804KG04
Make: Colt
Model: Houston PD Special Edition MK IV Series ’70 Government Model 1911
Serial Number: 16280B70
Year of Manufacture: 1979 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left of the slide is marked “Houston Police Department Special Edition” in script surrounded by an engraved banner, plated in gold and behind the slide serrations with a Houston PD badge also gold-plated. The right of the slide has a gold City of Houston seal behind the slide serrations, gold squad car, gold plated engraved scales of justice on banner and in the background, non-plated city skyline. Under the skyline, the right of the slide is marked “COLT GOVERNMENT MODEL .45 CAL. HARTFORD, CT”. The right of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CONN. U.S.A.” and with the serial number. The right of the trigger guard is marked “X”, the left “R” and “VP” in triangle.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade fixed to the slide and the rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood with brass Colt Custom shop medallions on each panel. 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.
Type of Finish: Blue & Gold
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its metal finish. The action shows minor operational wear. The inside of the trigger guard has an odd void in the finish and a spot which appears like surface erosion but is more likely a forging pore. Otherwise, the metal shows only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine-plus condition and would rate Excellent but for the inside of the trigger guard.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has minor play to the frame. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a wood presentation case with blue felt fitted interior. The lid of the case has an inset Colt Custom Shop medallion at the bottom-right and there is a metal plate in the center marked “Houston Police Deparment” with the HPD seal and “Special Edition”. A key for the case’s lock is included as well as a single 7-round magazine.
Our Assessment: This pistol is a beautiful Colt MK IV Series ’70 Government Model 1911 pistol made as part of a special edition of pistols for the Houston PD, with gold embellished engraved slide, smooth wood presentation grips and a nice fitted presentation case. Issued in 1979, this pistol was likely originally part of an HPD group-buy directly from Colt and only available to HPD officers. These are quite rare pistols to come across and this example’s high condition and beautiful presentation case will make for a fine addition to a Colt collection. That said, given the nature of the gun, Houston collectors will also take interest in this pistol. This is a wonderful Special Edition for Houston’s finest in Fine-plus condition, ready for display. Please take a look at our photos and good luck!