Colt Series ’70 Service eNickel .22 LR ACE 1911A1 Factory Custom Shop Semi-Automatic Pistol & Box
SOLD FOR: $2,925
LSB#: 170527MH08
Make: Colt
Model: Service ACE
Serial Number: SM38568
Year of Manufacture: 1978-1989 (Blue Book)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine
Markings: The right side of the slide is marked “ACE” inside a diamond. The left side of the slide is marked “COLT”, “SERVICE / MODEL”, “ACE” in a diamond, “22”, “LONG / RIFLE” and with a Rampant Colt logo. The left front of the trigger guard is marked “A” and at the rear with a “VP” in a triangle. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “T”. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. FA. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and “SM38568”. The barrel at the ejection port is marked “COLT / CAL. .22 L.R.”
Barrel Length: 4 13/16”
Sights / Optics: This pistol is mounted with a flat-topped square notch rear sight that is pinned to the slide and adjustable for windage and elevation. The front sight is a Patridge style blade fixed to the slide. There is a very thin flat rib on top of the slide that has a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are brown checkered walnut with gold colored Rampant Colt medallions on each grip. The checkering is sharp and shows no mars. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Electroless Nickel
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are very few light marks scattered around the lower edges of the slide and the underside of the frame. There is a take-down scratch in the frame. There are light scratches through the finish at contact points from normal operation. There is a little roughness at the slide stop notch and takedown notch. There are a few light scratches on the left side of the slide. The grip screws are slightly disfigured, still serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in about Fine-Excellent condition. There is grease present.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: There is one magazine included as photoed in the pistol. The pistol also comes in its original Colt factory box with an Owner’s Manual and white Styrofoam. The top of the outer box is marked “COLT” in gold letters. The end label on the box says Blue, There is a colt custom shop label that has been separated from the box describing the gun e-nickel, and the colt archive letter confirms the finish, no stocks listed. The box shows fraying at the corners and surface loss along its edges.
Our Assessment: The typewriter letter from 1989 to Colt requesting information about this pistol says it all. Paraphrased: HELP! is this the only ACE in E-Nickel? the box says Blue, but a custom shop tag says E-nickel… Rare or standard run? How Many? Any information is appreciated. The good news is that the gun does letter as E-nickel, so we know that the finish is original. Part of a 7 gun shipment makes us even more curious what the other guns were. Colt confirms this was not a standard catalog item. The best e-nickel ACE we have had come through our shop.
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This handgun CANNOT be transferred as a dealer sale in California but CAN be sold as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) at our Simi Valley shop.
