Factory Class C-Engraved Colt Series ’70 MK IV Gold Cup National Match 1911
SOLD FOR: $3776
LSB#: 220907HE009
Make: Colt
Model: Series ‘70 MK IV Gold Cup National Match
Serial Number: 70N39790
Year of Manufacture: Shipped October, 1977, ATF C&R
Caliber/Gauge: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The right side of the slide is marked ”GOLD CUP / NATIONAL MATCH” and with an engraving of a trophy cup. The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S MK IV/SERIES ’70 / GOLD CUP NATIONAL MATCH / .45 AUTOMATIC CALIBER” with the rampant Colt logo. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and has the serial number “70N39790”. The barrel is marked “COLT .45 AUTO. N.M. / MK.IV/SERIES ‘70″. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in a triangle and “B”. The right side of the trigger guard is marked with “0″. The slide and frame have extensive Class “C” factory scroll engraving.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the full-length rib on the top of the slide. The rear sight is an Elliason square notch sight adjustable for windage and elevation pinned to the slide. The top of the rib is serrated and the top of the slide is matte finished for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece scrimshaw panels with an eagle on each panel. The panels are signed “CJSharp ’79”. Given the difference in date between the shipment and the grip signing, we suspect that they are not factory original. The grips have little in the way of handling wear, but there are some light tool marks around some screw heads. The screws are generally proud to the grips. There are no chips, but there is a minor grain-line crack at the mainspring pin cut on the bottom-rear of the right panel. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The action shows minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are 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-to-frame fit has barely perceptible play. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, it may need a thorough cleaning to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: The pistol comes in a faux-wood cardboard Colt box with an assortment of factory paperwork including manual, a single 7-round magazine, and a Colt Archives letter. We are suspicious of the box label as it lists the grips, but they are not noted on the letter.
The letter confirms that this pistol shipped October 21, 1977 to Fin, Feather Sport Shop Inc., DBA Omaha Midwest Wholesale Distributors in Omaha, Nebraska as the only gun of its type in the shipment. The letter confirms Class “C” scroll engraving but Type of Stocks is not listed.
Our Assessment: Introduced as an off-the-shelf target pistol, Colt’s Gold Cup National Match 1911s have been a benchmark standard of quality for decades. There have been some variations since their introduction in the late ’50s, the Series ’70 introduced a collet barrel bushing, series ’80 a firing pin safety, and newer models offered various combinations of features, grips and sights. This is one of the Series ’70 Gold Cup National Match pistols shipped in 1977.
Not a standard model, this example shipped from the factory with Class “C” scroll engraving and has been equipped with a set of beautiful CJ Sharp scrimshaw grips. The pistol is in Fine-Excellent condition with some minor operational wear, but little else. It still retains a great bore and strong mechanics. Whether you’re looking for a great 1911-style target pistol or want to add a beautiful factory-engraved Gold Cup National Match to your collection, this is the choice for you. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
