Colt Gold Cup National Match MK IV Series ’70 .45 ACP 1911 Pistol, ATF C&R
SOLD FOR: $2225
LSB#: 220214KS010
Make: Colt
Model: Series ‘70 MK IV Gold Cup National Match
Serial#: 70N63874
Year of Manufacture: 1978 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup) C&R (https://www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/undefined/curios-and-relics-list-2018/download)
Caliber/Gauge: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The right side of the slide is marked ”GOLD CUP / NATIONAL MATCH” and with an engraving of a trophy cup. The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S MK IV/SERIES ’70 / GOLD CUP NATIONAL MATCH / .45 AUTOMATIC CALIBER” with the rampant Colt logo. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and has the serial number “70N63874”. The barrel is marked “COLT .45 AUTO. N.M. / MK.IV/SERIES ‘70?. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in a triangle and “R”. The right side of the trigger guard is marked with an “L”. The rear sight is marked “ELLIASON”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the full-length rib on the top of the slide. The rear sight is an Elliason square notch sight adjustable for windage and elevation pinned to the slide. The top of the rib is serrated and the top of the slide is matte finished for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with gold-colored colt medallions. There is some minor verdigris at the medallions. Otherwise, the grips have only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Also included is a set of two-piece checkered wood grips with gold-colored Colt medallions and smooth diamonds around the grip screws. These grips have slightly more notable discoloration in the medallions and a few minor marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the additional grips are in Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is some minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide to frame fit is snug. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, it may need a thorough cleaning to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: The pistol comes in a faux-wood cardboard Colt box with serial-matching label, two-piece styrofoam insert, an assortment of factory paperwork including manual, Colt branded bushing wrench and sight adjustment tool, and with a total of two 7-round magazine. The bottom of the magazines are marked “COLT / 45 AUTO”, “C” and with a rampant colt. The magazines have light operational wear, intact feed lips and strong springs. The box shows light storage wear, mostly at edges.
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 Series ’70 Gold Cup National Match pistols made in 1978. The pistol is in Excellent condition, appearing to have seen minimal use. In addition to its high condition, the pistol also comes with its original box, a nice addition for collectors. 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 the choice for you. Please see our photos and good luck!