Custom Colt Gold Cup National Match 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1970 C&R
Sold For: $1,275.00
LSB#: 220602HE026
Make: Colt
Model: Custom Gold Cup National Match
Serial Number: 36928-NM
Year of Manufacture: 1970 (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 “N”, the left is marked “S” 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.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels. The grips have light handling wear with a few scattered light marks. The cuts of the checkering are well defined, the checkers themselves are smooth. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: The slide’s finish is Original, the frame has been Refinished. The magazine release, mainspring housing, grip and thumb safeties have been replaced.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its current metal finish. The slide’s finish is thinning at all edges with some scattered minor nicks and scratches. There is finish loss in the right-side serrations consistent with oxidation which has been scrubbed out. There are some spots of minor erosion under the finish on the frame. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-Fine condition as customized.
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 very minor 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: This pistol comes with a single 7-round Wilson Rogers magazine.
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 1970, made just before the pistols would actually be marked “GOLD CUP”. It has been customized with an arched mainspring housing, beavertail grip safety, extended thumb safety and magazine release, as well as a checkered frontstrap. The pistol retains a great bore and strong mechanics. All of these old National Match pistols are collectible, this customized example will make a neat addition to a collection, but should also prove to be a great shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
