Colt El Matadore Lew Horton 282/500 .38 Super Govt Model 1911
SOLD FOR: $4680
LSB#: 230111KB020
Make: Colt
Model: Government Model “El Matadore”, 282 of 500
Serial Number: ELM282
Year of Manufacture: 2001 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 Super
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: The right side of the slide is marked “GOVERNMENT MODEL”, the left is marked “El Matadore” with rampant colt. The right of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. / ELM282”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “8” and “VP” in a triangle. The magazine floorplate is marked with a rampant colt, “M”, “COLT” and “SUPER / .38 AUTO” and ‘S”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a white dot fixed to the slide and the rear sight is a square notch with two white dots dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth faux-pearl panels with a scrimshawed depiction of a matador on each. There is no notable wear or damage. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Brite Stainless slide and frame, Gold controls.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are some handling marks but no notable defects. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has almost no play to the frame. The trigger is crisp. 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: This pistol comes in a blue Colt box, an assortment of factory paperwork including manual and a single 9-round magazine.
Our Assessment: This pistol is a beautiful Colt Government Model 1911A1 pistol with a gorgeous high polished Brite Stainless finish set off by Gold controls and by the faux-pearl grip panels with a scrimshawed depiction of a matador. This pistol is part of a series of Lew Horton specials produced for Colt in the ’90s, known in the collector world as the “El” series. Each of these specials was produced in a limited quantity with only 500 of the El Matadore pistols produced. This series is both wonderful and terrible for collectors as there were about 40 different models, from the El Jefe to El Coronel to El Presidente and more. This El Matadore is in Excellent condition with its original box and is ready to add to a collection or to carry to your next barbecue. Please take a look at our photos and good luck!
As Always, Keep Your Powder Dry and Bid High!
-Andrew G.
