First Year Colt Delta Elite Blue 5″ 10mm 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1987

SOLD FOR: $2275

LSB#: 220219SS001

Make: Colt

Model: Delta Elite

Serial Number: DE10153

Year of Manufacture: 1987 (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. / DE10153”, the left of the trigger guard is marked “4” and “VP” in triangle, the right of the trigger guard is marked “0”. 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 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, but there is some stubborn copper fouling in the grooves which should come out with a patient cleaning.

Overall Condition: This pistol  retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is very light operational wear and a few scattered minor marks including a very faint “idiot mark” beneath the slide stop. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong 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 very 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: This pistol comes in an unlabeled blue plastic Colt case with a single 8-round magazine, marked on the floorplate with a rampant colt, “COLT / 10MM AUTO” and “M”, showing light operational wear, scattered minor surface oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring.

Our Assessment: The Delta Elite was introduced in 1987 as a 10mm version of the 1911. The 1911 already had a following, of course, while the 10mm 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 1987, the first year of production 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!