Colt Ace Service Model 01974 (Like 1911-A1), Sharp Matte & Polished Blue 5” SA Semi-Automatic Pistol, Box & 3 Mags, MFD 1981
LSB#: 161115MJ01
Make: Colt
Model: Ace Service Model
Serial Number: SM39229
Year of Manufacture: 1981 (Colt’s Customer Service Hotline)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol
Markings: The left of the slide is marked “COLT / SERVICE MODEL / .22 / LONG / RIFLE” with “ACE” in diamond and the Rampant Colt, the right also has “ACE” in diamond. The barrel is marked “COLT / CAL .22 L.R.” The right of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” with the serial number. The right of the trigger guard bow is marked “A”, the left is marked “A” and “VP” in triangle. The factory box is serialized to the pistol.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge blade, fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched leaf in a base that is adjustable for windage and elevation, pinned onto the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with gold-colored Rampant Colt logo medallions. The stocks are free from any notable marks or damages outside of some odd surface blemishes on the butt of the right panel. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Matte & Polished Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The left of the frame has a faint mark from the slide stop, the underside of the frame and front strap of the grip frame have faint scuffs and faint evidence of emerging patina as photographed. The slide and hammer serrations are sharp. We can’t see much evidence of this pistol having been fired frequently outside of the factory, it was well taken care of in the interim. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The pistol incorporates the floating chamber design, the trigger pull is crisp and the slide has nominal play to the frame. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The original factory box sleeve is included, showing roughing on the surfaces, with some small tears at the flaps, rating in Very Good condition. The inner foam halves are included, showing compression and light staining, in Fine condition. A factory congradulatory note is provided showing some discoloration from age. The upper lid has a pack of factory paperwork, secured to the lid with a band of red factory tape which is not cut or broken, all in Excellent condition. Three blue magazines are included, one has Mec Gar’s logo, another is unmarked, the third has “COLT / .22 L.R.” with the Rampant logo on the base plate. The magazines have small amount of operational rub wear, in Excellent condition. A small sheet of wax paper and yellow trigger guard hang tag are also provided, in Fine to Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colt_Ace “While the Colt 1911 was chambered in the powerful .45 ACP cartridge, the externally similar Colt Ace was chambered for the far less powerful .22 LR cartridge. Accordingly, military, police, or civilian shooters could shoot the Ace without the recoil and expense of the 1911, but with similar ergonomics and sight picture. Except for the earliest models, the barrels of these guns are constructed with a hinged floating rear chamber that amplifies the recoil, cycling the heavy slide.[2]” Modeled after the company’s coveted 1911-A1 design, these Service Model pistols served our country in the form of inexpensive training during the Second World War and continues to be a popular and highly collectible platform. With the original factory box, 3 magazines and paperwork, this one will be hard to pass up, especially if you are a Colt collector. Please see our pictures and good luck.
