Colt Pre-Gold Cup National Match 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1966 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3030
LSB#: 230315JS003
Make: Colt
Model: Gold Cup National Match
Serial Number: 17283-NM
Year of Manufacture: 1966 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade that is fixed into the serrated top rib of the slide. The rear sight is an Elliason square notch that is adjustable for windage and elevation, pinned to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have minor handling wear and some discoloration. The checkering is well-defined, generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some scattered minor marks, most notable is faint scuffing on the right slide flat (likely from storage in the box) and a thin “idiot mark” on the left of the frame under the slide stop. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol features a National Match barrel, adjustable rear sight, and wide, serrated adjustable trigger. The trigger is crisp. The slide has barely perceptible play to the frame. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a two-piece cardboard Colt Gold Cup Automatic National Match box with a single 7-round magazine.
Our Assessment: In the mid-1900s the 1911 was used for all manner of pistol competitions, but the base Government model typically needed some tweaking and modification to get the best performance. In 1957, Colt introduced their Gold Cup National Match, an out-of-the-box, purpose-built target pistol with adjustable target sights, hand-fit parts, serrated grip frame and adjustable trigger. This example is from 1966, a fairly early Gold Cup made about 4 years before the pistols would actually be marked “GOLD CUP”. It appears to have seen infrequent use, likely spending more time in its included box than out over the last 57 years, retaining about 97% of its metal finish, a great bore and strong mechanics. All of these old National Match pistols are collectible, this early example will make a great addition to a collection, but should also prove to be a great shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
