Colt 1911 El Soldado Lew Horton Government Model .38 Super Semi-Auto Pistol
SOLD FOR: $4,125.00
LSB#: LSB251204JV036
Make: Colt
Model: El Soldado 1911
Serial Number: ELSAL160
Year of Manufacture: 2000 / Modern (
Caliber: .38 Super
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked in script“El Soldado”. The right side of the slide is marked “GOVERNMENT MODEL”. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT.F.A MFG. CO. HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A.”. The right side of the frame is marked “EELSAL160”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with the Colt VP proof mark and and inspection stamp. The top of the chamber is marked “COLT 38 SUPER AUTO.”
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small blade with a white dot, fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a U-notch sight with two white dots, dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth Mother of Pearl with silver Colt medallions. The grips have no nicks or scratches and have little to no usage wear. The grips are well polished and are in Like New condition. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in excellent Like New condition.
Type of Finish: Royal Blue Finish, Jeweled and nickeled trigger, hammer slide release and safety.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: This pistol appears to have had VERY few rounds through it (if any) since factory testing. The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion or any signs that the gun has been fired. Based on this writer’s opinion the bore rates at 10/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its finish. There are no handling marks present aside from minor oil residue smudges on the frame. The screw heads are sharp with no markings. Overall, this pistol is in excellent, like-new condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has 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: Included are the original Colt blue box, paperwork and the Colt exterior shipping box as well as one magazine.
Our Assessment: The Colt “El Soldado” Government Model is a limited-production variant of the classic 1911 platform commissioned by Lew Horton Distributing and produced in 2000. Chambered in the venerable .38 Super, this model combines the proven full-size Government configuration with distinctive styling and Colt’s renowned Royal Blue finish. The elegant “El Soldado” script on the slide adds a refined and collectible touch while preserving the traditional lines, balance, and performance that have defined the Colt Government Model for generations.
This example remains in outstanding, like-new condition, retaining approximately 99% of its original Royal Blue finish. The polish and depth of the blue are excellent, complemented by jeweled and nickeled appointments including the trigger, hammer, slide release, and safety, which add visual contrast and custom-level appeal. There are no visible handling marks aside from minor oil residue smudges on the frame. The screw heads are sharp and unmarred, and the slide-to-frame fit is tight with no perceptible play. The smooth Mother of Pearl grips with silver Colt medallions are beautifully polished and free from nicks, scratches, chips, or cracks, rating in excellent Like New condition and enhancing the pistol’s presentation-grade appearance.
The bore is bright with sharp rifling and shows no erosion or indication of use beyond possible factory testing, rating 10/10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly and the trigger break is crisp, consistent with a well-fitted Government Model. Included with the pistol are the original Colt blue box, paperwork, exterior shipping box, and one magazine, further supporting its collector desirability. Altogether, this El Soldado Government Model represents an exceptional example of a limited Colt .38 Super in near-pristine condition, ideal for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
BF