Colt Gold Cup National Match Ultimate Bright Stainless 1911, 1989 ATF C&R
SOLD FOR: $1850
LSB#: 210802HE01
Make: Colt
Model: Gold Cup National Match Mark IV Series ’80
Serial Number: SN20003
Year of Manufacture: 1989 (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 “GOLD CUP / NATIONAL MATCH” with a trophy. The left side of the slide is marked “SERIES ’80 COLT MK IV / GOLD CUP NATIONAL MATCH” with a rampant Colt logo. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. / SN20003”. There is a “VP” in triangle proof on the left side of the trigger guard along with “2”, the right of the trigger guard is marked “H”. 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. The rear of the sights have had paint dots applied.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grip is a Colt branded checkered black rubber Pachmayr Signature wraparound grip. The grip has some light handling wear but no notable damage. The checkering is well defined. There are no rips or tears. Overall the grip is in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Ultimate Bright Stainless Steel
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 95% of its metal finish. There are some scattered minor scuffs and scratches. The left of the frame has a light “idiot mark” under the slide stop. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has very little 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 with a single 7-round after-market magazine.
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 later Series ’80 Gold Cup National Match pistols with the scarce Ultimate Bright Stainless finish, Elliason sight pinned to its ribbed slide, and trigger adjustable for over-travel. The pistol is in Fine condition, appearing to have seen light use, retaining a great bore with strong mechanics. Whether you’re looking for a great 1911-style target pistol or want to add a Gold Cup National Match to your collection, this is a nice old pony. Please see our photos and good luck!