German Proofed Colt Combat Elite Government 9mm 1911 Pistol 1990
SOLD FOR: $1378
LSB#: 220114RS015
Make: Colt
Model: Combat Elite Government Model
Serial Number: 9MM263
Year of Manufacture: 1990
Caliber: 9mm
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COMBAT ELITE / -9mm LUGER-” and with a rampant colt logo, the right is marked “COMBAT / *ELITE*” and has a small German proof behind the slide serrations. The right of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”, with the serial number, and with three German proofs. The right side of the trigger guard is marked “7” and with a small German proof. The top of the barrel is marked “CAL. 9MM LUGER / -PARABELLUM-“. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in a triangle and “L”. There are two small proofs on the right side of the chamber.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The slide is installed with Millett sights. The front sight is an orange ramped blade fixed to the slide and the rear sight is a serrated square notch sight with a white outline and is dovetailed into the slide. The rear sight has two set screws but one is missing.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a Colt branded Pachmayr checkered black rubber wrap around grip with silver Colt medallions. There are some scattered scuffs and light handling marks, the most noticeable wear is on the raised portion on the right side. The checkering is strong. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel Frame with Blued Slide
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 93% of its metal finish. There are scattered scuffs, draglines, and a few little hairline scratches, the most noticeable are scattered over the sides of the slide. Some of the marks have caused thinning to the blued finish and smooth spots to the stainless finish. The rear sight is missing one of the set screws. There is a takedown mark on the left side of the frame. There is some faint thinning on the front edges of the slide. There are standard operational marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol has a tight slide and a crisp trigger. This pistol was made with a firing pin block safety. 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 is a non-matching 150th Anniversary box, paperwork including the manual, and a single 9-round magazine.
Our Assessment: Colt’s 1911 served the United States military through two World Wars and several other conflicts, is still in use by some units today, and has become popular with law enforcement, competitors, and recreational shooters across the nation. The design has seen some updates including a firing-pin block safety, higher profile sights, and more ergonomic grips, but the basic design and fantastic trigger remain the same after more than a century. This example is a Combat Elite model chambered for the softer-shooting 9mm Luger cartridge, able to hold nine rounds in its single stack magazines. This pistol has nice Millet sights, an ambidextrous safety, beavertail grip safety, and a duo-tone finish. The appeal of a quality Colt 1911 spans the globe and in 1991 this pistol was proofed in Germany. If you’re looking for your first 1911 or your last, this would be a good pony to add to the stable. Please see our photos and good luck!