LAPD Special Edition Colt Government Model 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol

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Sold for $2145.75

Make: Colt

Model: Mark IV Series ‘70, Government Model 1911

Serial#: 11912B70

Year of Manufacture: 1979 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup), ATF C&R

Caliber/Gauge: .45 ACP

Action Type: Semi-Automatic Single Action Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “Los Angeles Police Department Special Edition” in script, the right is marked “To Protect and To Serve”. These markings are surrounded by a gold engraved banner with foliate scroll, the right side also has an LAPD badge, squad car and motorcycle with “COLT GOVERNMENT MODEL .45 CAL. HARTFORD, CT” on the bottom of the banner. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and features the serial number “11912B70”.  The left side of the trigger guard is marked “G” and with the “VP” proof while the right side is marked “L”. The top of the chamber is marked “-COLT .45 AUTO- / MK.IV/SERIES ’70”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch that is dovetailed to the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have light tool marks around the screws and a few other scattered minor marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling.

Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 98% of its finish. The action shows minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine-Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has minor play to the frame. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, it may need a thorough cleaning to meet your maintenance standards.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: This pistol comes in a wood Colt LAPD presentation case with a blue fabric lined French-fit interior and an extensive assortment of purchase paperwork. A single 7-round magazine is included.

Our Assessment: Colt’s 1911 served the United States military through two World Wars and several other conflicts, is still in use by some units today, and has become popular with law enforcement, competitors, and recreational shooters across the nation. The design has seen some updates including a firing-pin block safety, higher profile sights, and more ergonomic grips, but the basic design and fantastic trigger remain the same after more than a century. Due to its popularity and long life, the 1911 has also been a popular choice for custom pistols as well as commemoratives, such as this one.

This pistol was made by the Colt Custom Shop exclusively for active and retired Los Angeles Police Department members and sold through National Gun Sales of Northridge, California in 1979. It appears that the original owner may have put a magazine or two through the pistol, but it is still in Fine-Excellent condition and comes with its display case and an assortment of paperwork from its original sale. Whether you’re a Colt collector or are connected to the LAPD, this is an interesting and limited edition 1911 that will add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!