Colt Custom Shop ELCEN 1911 Bright Stainless .38 Super Semi-Auto Pistol

SOLD FOR: $3625

LSB#: 220602HE018

Make: Colt Custom Shop

Model: “EL CEN” Government Model Stainless

Serial Number: ELCEN10108

Year of Manufacture: 2010s

Caliber: .38 Super

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT CUSTOM”. The right of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” with the serial number. The top of the barrel is marked “-COLT SUPER .38 AUTO-“. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and with “L”. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT GOVERNMENT MODEL”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a white dot fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square-notch with two white dots dovetailed to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered rosewood with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Bright Stainless

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor marks. The action shows faint operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The bright stainless finish picks up smudges and such quickly but just as quickly wipes off. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol was made with a firing pin block safety. 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: 

-Blue plastic serial matching Colt box

-Cable lock.

-Manual

-One 9-round Colt magazine.

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. This is an interesting variation from the Colt Custom Shop. Distributor Lew Horton ordered a whole series of limited edition 1911 variants known to collectors as the “El Series”. The pistols were made with a variety of different trims, but were chambered for .38 Super and most were built on Bright Stainless slides and frames. The metal is polished so bright you could use the gun as a mirror for shaving. If you’re looking for a new 1911, a limited edition to add to a Colt collection, or a new BBQ gun, this is a great pistol. Please see our photos and good luck!