Colt 1911 Government Model Delta Elite 10MM 5″ Semi-Automatic Pistol 1987
SOLD FOR: $1,825.00
LSB#: LSB260406DM011
Make: Colt
Model: Government Model / Delta Elite
Serial Number: DE03139
Year of Manufacture: 1987 / Modern
Caliber: 10MM Auto
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 8-round magazine. The magazine shows operational use and some oxidation. Overall, the magazine rates in Fine condition.
Barrel Length: 5″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a metal blade with a white dot, fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a flat top square notch with serrations, dovetailed to the slide. The top of the slide has a matte finish to reduce glare.
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “DELTA ELITE” / “–COLT AUTO”, and a triangle with 10MM inside. The right side of the slide is marked “GOVERNMENT MODEL”. The right side of the frame is marked with “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and the serial number. The top of the barrel is marked with “-CAL 10MM AUTO”.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are a one piece wrap-around textured synthetic, with a red triangle in a black circle outlined in silver-color. There is little to no handling wear. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is minor fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates a 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its finish. There are some light handling scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. There is operational wear along the bottom of the slide and barrel. The screws are sharp with light tooling. Overall, this pistol rates in Excellent 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, and Accessories: Serial matching maroon Colt cardboard box, 1x 8-round magazine, and paperwork.
Our Assessment: This Colt Government Model Delta Elite is a desirable early-production 10mm Auto 1911, manufactured in 1987, the first year of Delta Elite production. Colt’s Delta Elite helped bring the powerful 10mm Auto cartridge into the mainstream, pairing magnum-like semi-automatic performance with the familiar full-size Government Model platform. At a time when the 10mm was gaining attention for its velocity, penetration, and serious defensive capability, the Delta Elite became one of the most recognizable factory 10mm pistols and remains a key model for Colt collectors and 1911 enthusiasts. This example retains its classic blued finish, 5″ barrel, matte-topped slide, white-dot front sight, serrated rear sight, distinctive Delta Elite slide markings, and wraparound grips with the red triangle Delta medallion.
This pistol remains in Excellent overall condition, retaining approximately 98% of its original finish with light handling scuffs and scratches, operational wear along the bottom of the slide and barrel, and sharp screws with only light tooling. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and minor fouling in the grooves, rating 9/10 in this writer’s opinion. The wraparound Delta Elite grips are also Excellent, showing little to no handling wear and no rips or tears. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, and the included serial-matching maroon Colt cardboard box, paperwork, and Fine-condition 8-round magazine add strong collector appeal. With its early 1987 production date, original configuration, excellent condition, and iconic 10mm chambering, this Delta Elite should appeal to Colt collectors, 10mm fans, and shooters looking for one of the landmark high-performance 1911 variants. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY