Colt Pre-Gold Cup National Match 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1967 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2550
LSB#: 220301DS003
Make: Colt
Model: Gold Cup National Match
Serial Number: 21799-NM
Year of Manufacture: 1967 (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 “2”, the left is marked “T” 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 an Elliason square notch that is adjustable for windage and elevation, pinned to the slide. The top of the rib is serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels with gold-colored Colt medallions. There are small tool marks around the grip screws, most notable at the bottom screw on the left panel. The checkering is well-defined, generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
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 97% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, mostly at the leading edges and the edges of the grip serrations. The action shows light operational wear. The slide has a slight plum hue. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine-Excellent 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 barely perceptible 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, an assortment of factory paperwork including serial-matching test-target and a single 7-round magazine marked “COLT / .45 AUTO.” on the floorplate. The box shows scattered light storage wear, most notable at edges. The magazine has minor operational wear with intact feed lips and a strong spring.
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 1967, a fairly early Gold Cup made about 3 years before the pistols would actually be marked “GOLD CUP”. It appears to have seen little use, retaining about 97% 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, especially with its included box and test-target, but should also prove to be a great shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!