Consecutive Pair Colt Custom Shop El Cen 100 Years of Service 1911 Pistols

SOLD FOR: $6025

LSB#: 220929JB006, 220929JB007

Make: Colt Custom Shop

Model: “EL CEN” Government Model Stainless, 100 Years of Service

Serial Number: ELCEN7284, ELCEN7285

Year of Manufacture: 2011

Caliber: .38 Super

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazines

Markings: The left side of each slide is marked “COLT CUSTOM”. The right of each frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” with the serial number. The top of each barrel is marked “-COLT SUPER .38 AUTO-“. The left of the trigger guards are marked “VP” in triangle and with “L”. The right side of each slide is marked “100 YEARS / -OF SERVICE-”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sights are blades with white dots fixed to the fronts of the slides. The rear sights are square-notches with two white dots dovetailed to the rears of the slides.

Stock Configuration & Condition: 

220929JB006: The grips are two-piece checkered wood 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.

220929JB007: The grips are factory custom-ordered smooth ivory panels with nickel Colt medallions. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Bright Stainless

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in either bore.

Overall Condition: 

220929JB006: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor scuffs and swirls with light “idiot marks” above and below the slide stop on the slide and frame. 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.

220929JB007: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, 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 actions function correctly. These pistols wre made with firing pin block safeties. We did not fire these pistols. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: 

-Blue plastic serial matching Colt boxes

-Cable locks

-Manuals

-Total of four 9-round Colt magazines (two each)

-ELCEN7284 includes the factory packing slip confirming custom-order grips and trigger tuning.

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.

This is an interesting pair of El Cen pistols, most made with only the “COLT CUSTOM” marking and bright polish finish to distinguish them from a standard stainless Government Model. These, however, are from a limited series produced to commemorate the centennial of the 1911, the “100 Years of Service” edition. It is interesting to note that the pair have consecutive serial numbers, but the packing slip included with ELCEN7284 indicates that it was ordered separately with factory tuned trigger and factory ivory grips. Being paired up with the very next serial number makes for a very nice pair that will add to any collection. If you’re looking for a couple of new 1911s, a pair of limited edition Colts, or a new brace of BBQ guns, this is a wonderful set. Please see our photos and good luck!