Colt Delta Elite Government Model 1911 10mm Semi-Automatic Pistol, MFD 1988
SOLD FOR: $2200
LSB#: 210826DM16
Make: Colt
Model: Delta Elite
Serial Number: DE14214
Year of Manufacture: 1988 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: 10mm
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Detachable Magazine Fed Pistol
Markings: The right of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. / DE14214”, the left of the trigger guard is marked “R” and “VP” in triangle, the right of the trigger guard is marked “8”. The left of the slide is marked “DELTA ELITE / -COLT AUTO-” with “10mm” in triangle in the center, the right is marked “GOVERNMENT MODEL”, the top of the barrel is marked “-CAL. 10 MM AUTO-“.
Barrel Length: 5?
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade with a white dot fixed to the front of the slide and the rear sight is a square notch with two white dots dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one-piece textured black rubber which wraps around the frontstrap with red diamond on black circle Delta Elite medallions. The grip has no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grip is in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is light operational wear and a few scattered minor marks including a very faint “idiot mark” beneath the slide stop. The screw heads have sharp slots with minor tool marking at the bottoms of the slots. The pin heads are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide to frame fit has minor play. 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:
-Maroon cardboard Colt box with serial-matching label and two-piece styrofoam inserts.
-Factory paperwork NOT including manual.
-Total of one 8-round Colt magazine.
Our Assessment: The Delta Elite was introduced in 1988 as a 10mm version of the 1911. The 1911 already had a following, of course, while the cartridge was popular as a result of Jeff Cooper’s involvement in its development and use in the Bren-10. It has remained popular with fans of the 1911 and the 10mm cartridge ever since. This example was made in 1988 and is in Excellent condition. It retains about 98% of its metal finish with a great bore and strong mechanics. Whether you’re a fan of 1911s, 10mm, or both, this is a great example of a Delta Elite for the collector or shooter alike. Please see our photos and good luck!