Colt Factory Engraving Sampler Nickel MK IV Series 80 Government Model .45
SOLD FOR: $8712.99
LSB#: 220907HE005
Make: Colt
Model: MK IV Series 80 Government Model, Factory Engraving Sampler
Serial Number: FG73671
Year of Manufacture: Shipped September 23, 1988
Caliber/Gauge: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The right side of the slide is marked ”GOVERNMENT MODEL”. The left side of the slide is marked “COLT MK IV / -SERIES 80-” 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 “FG73671”. The barrel is marked “-COLT 45 AUTO-“. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in a triangle. The right side of the trigger guard is marked with “1”. The slide and frame have type “B” scroll engraving with the Colt 150th anniversary logo on the left of the slide. The frontstrap is engraved “Colt Engraving Sampler”. The left grip panel is scrimshawed “R. Henshaw 1831 / L. Nimschke 1850-1900 / C. Helfricht 1871-1921 / Contemporary”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a short, serrated blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece ivory panels with the script scrimshaw text noted above on the left panel. 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: Nickel
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 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The series 80 firing pin safety is not currently installed. The slide-to-frame fit has minor 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 maroon cardboard Colt box with serial-matching label, an assortment of factory paperwork including manual, a single 7-round magazine, and a Colt Archives letter.
The letter confirms that this pistol shipped September 23, 1988 to Southern Ohio Gun Distributors in Lebanon, Ohio as one of only 17 guns ever produced in this configuration. The letter confirms the finish, grips and engraving as being factory..
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.
Not a standard model, this example is a Colt Engraving Sampler shipped from the factory with Type “B” scroll engraving displaying the styles of some of the most famous Colt engravers. Only seventeen pistols were produced in this configuration, making this a particularly rare piece. The canvas for this work is a beautifully nickel-finished Series 80 Government Model set off by scrimshawed ivory grips. The pistol is in Excellent condition, comes with its original box and a Colt Archives letter confirming its authenticity. What more could you want in a factory engraved 1911! Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
