Wayne Novak Custom WFN Colt Gold Cup National Match .45 ACP 1911 Pistol C&R

SOLD FOR: $3154.97

LSB#: 230408AL002

Make: Colt, Customized by Wayne Novak

Model: Series ’70 Gold Cup National Match 1911-A1

Serial Number: 70N90970

Year of Manufacture: The pistol was made in 1980. The gun was customized by Wayne Novak in 1984.

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine

Markings: The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and “70N90970”. The left side of the trigger guard has a “VP” proof and “B”, the right side is marked “0”. The top of the chamber is marked “COLT .45 AUTO N.M. / MK. IV/SERIES ’70”. The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S MK IV/SERIES ’70 / GOLD CUP NATIONAL MATCH / .45 AUTOMATIC CALIBER” followed by a Rampant Colt. The right side of the slide is marked “GOLD CUP / NATIONAL MATCH” followed by the trophy cup. The mainspring housing has the Novak marking for Wayne F Novak, it reads “WFN 84”.

Barrel Length: 5″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a Bo-Mar square notch target sight with a serrated rear face and radiused corners. The sight is dovetailed into the slide and expertly fit. The top of the slide has serrated rib for glare reduction. The rear of the slide and frame rails are serrated, the rear of the slide and frame have been blacked out during the customization to enhance the sight picture.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are Colt Custom Shop smooth rosewood with gold Colt medallions. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are no major defects. There are a couple of faint compressions and draglines which are nearly invisible. Overall, the grips rate in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original to Wayne Novak Build

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there are tool marks on the lands toward the muzzle. In my opinion, the bore is an 8 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its current finish. There are some scattered light draglines and streaks typical of nickel guns. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are a couple spots of faint discoloration. There is light operational wear. This gun has seen a gentle life and doesn’t appear to have seen much use. The markings are clear. The screwheads are sharp. Overall, this pistol rates in about Fine Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is one 8-round Novak magazine and a writeup from the consignor.

Our Assessment: The 1911 and 1911-A1 pistols served the military of the United States from 1911 to 1985, through two World Wars and the Korean and Vietnam wars. They gained a reputation as a reliable handgun with plenty of stopping power, and are held in high regard by those who have used them. The design was the end-result of a series of developments by famous gun designer John Browning, starting with the Model 1900. The advances made by Browning were revolutionary at the time, and were so successful that they are considered commonplace today. Browning not only developed first a pivoting and then a tilting barrel to allow for a locked system, he developed the concept of “the slide”, which is now synonymous with semi-automatic handguns.

This is a Colt Gold Cup National Match, itself an already fantastic handgun, that has been customized and made even better by Wayne Novak. Novak began work with the legendary Armand Swenson and leaving in 1979 returning to his home of West Virginia and opening Novaks .45 Shop. The shop became well known for their “business guns” which were primarily 1911s and Hi-Powers all built for defensive use. The shop grew and employed multiple gunsmiths all while selling millions of their iconic LoMount sight. The name Wayne Novak is synonymous with the defensive 1911. The world of custom 1911s was filled with out of the box forward thinkers, some with aggressive designs and styles one would not even fathom today. The Novak was not one such gun, it is refined and classy while having everything you need and nothing you dont…it doesn’t hurt that its so damn good looking either! A serious business piece that looks as good as it functions. Who knows if brands like Wilson Combat or Nighthawk Custom would be producing some of their fine 1911s today without the influence of Novak!

In the early 1980s, 1984 specifically, this gun was built by Novak on a Series ’70 Gold Cup National Match. Using skills learned from his mentor Swenson, he seriously tricked it out and slicked it up. He checkered the grip frame, serrated the rear of the slide and frame, then blackened all the checkered and serrated areas for a very unique look. The refitted barrel has been accurized and mated to a match bushing and paired with the clean and crisp Videki trigger, this gun will likely be capable of more accuracy than the user! The grip safety is a Safari Arms while the ambi thumb safety is from the Colt Custom Shop, both not only look great but function flawlessly. The gun wears a straight checkered mainspring housing that has had an extended magazine well welded and blended. Before the Smith & Alexander patent magwell MSH, these were not all that common. This is one beautiful prancing pony that has been customized by one of the best in the industry. Novak customs are artisanal in nature, and this Colt is a masterpiece. Any gun marked with a Colt is usually collectible, but when you consider the duo of Colt and Novak you have an aficionados dream! Please see our photos and good luck!

Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red