Colt Pre-Gold Cup National Match 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1965 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,525.00
WOA#: WY240605DM007
Make: Colt
Model: Gold Cup National Match
Serial Number: 15766-NM
Year of Manufacture: 1965 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol
Markings: The left of the slide is marked “NATIONAL / *MATCH*”, “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / CALIBER .45” and with a rampant colt, the right is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The right of the frame is marked with the serial number. The right of the trigger guard is marked “7”, the left is marked “P” and “VP” in triangle. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT .45 AUTO N.M.”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade that is fixed into the serrated top rib of the slide. The rear sight is an Elliason square notch that is adjustable for windage and elevation, pinned to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have minor handling wear with a few scattered light marks. The checkering is well-defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. Most of the balance is handling wear in the grip areas. There is scuffing on the left slide flat, around the magazine catch on the left of the frame, and on the right of the frame at the grip safety. There are a few other scattered minor marks. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol features a National Match barrel, adjustable rear sight, and wide, serrated adjustable trigger. The trigger is crisp. The slide has minor play to the frame. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 7-round magazine.
Our Assessment: In the mid-1900s the 1911 was used for all manner of pistol competitions, but the base Government model typically needed some tweaking and modification to get the best performance. In 1957, Colt introduced their Gold Cup National Match, an out-of-the-box, purpose-built target pistol with adjustable target sights, hand-fit parts, serrated grip frame and adjustable trigger. This example is from 1965, a fairly early Gold Cup made about 5 years before the pistols would actually be marked “GOLD CUP”. It appears to have seen responsible use, retaining about 85% of its metal finish, a strong bore and good mechanics, appearing to have been put to its intended use. All of these old National Match pistols are collectible, this early example will make a great addition to a collection, but should also prove to be a great shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
