Engraved Colt Series 70 Government Model 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol 1979

SOLD FOR: $2525

LSB#: 220204RT012

Make: Colt

Model: Mark IV Series ‘70, Government Model 1911

Serial#: 24285B70

Year of Manufacture: 1979 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber/Gauge: .45 ACP

Action Type: Semi-Automatic Single Action Pistol with Detachable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S MK IV/SERIES ‘70 / GOVERNMENT MODEL / .45 AUTOMATIC CALIBER”, and features an adjacent Rampant Colt logo. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT’S GOVERNMENT MODEL”. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT PT.F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and features the serial number “24285B70”.  The left side of the trigger guard is marked “V” and with the “VP” proof while the right side is marked “X”. The top of the chamber is marked “COLT .45 AUTO / MK.IV/SERIES ’70”. The slide has extensive foliate scroll engraving

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade with a ramped serrated rear face that is 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 stag panels. 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 as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Nickel, some small parts are Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

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

Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The frame has wear in the grip areas consistent with a previously installed wraparound grip, including some wear concealed by the currently installed grips. There are some minor scuffs and scratches on the dust cover. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition as customized.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger has a wide, serrated shoe installed. The slide has light 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 display case with padded, red fabric-lined interior and a single nickel-finished magazine marked “COLT / 45 AUTO” and “M” on the floorplate. The magazine has light operational wear with intact feed lips and a strong spring.

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, with a wide variety of sights, barrels, parts, and popular modifications. This example is a Series ’70 Government Model made in 1979. The descendent of the original Model of 1911, it has updates of the 1911-A1 as well as a collet-style bushing to improve accuracy. This one has also been customized with beautiful engraving, a satin nickel finish set off by stag grips, a checkered rubber mainspring housing and a wide, serrated trigger shoe. The pistol looks great, and will display well with its included case. Please see our photos and good luck!

Engraved Colt Series 70 Government Model 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol 1979
Engraved Colt Series 70 Government Model 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol 1979