Description

This is a C&R Pistol Exempt from the California Handgun Roster

WE DO NOT SHIP TO TYPE 3 C&R FFLs

 

Make: Colt

Model: This is an excellent example of a Colt Gold Cup National Match .45 ACP Pistol (Pre-Series 70 – 1957–1970 production).

Serial Number: 25160NM

Year of Manufacture: 1967

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action: Single-action hammer-fired semi-auto

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights: Eliason adjustable target rear sight and an undercut front sight post.

Markings: Left side of slide – NATIONAL MATCH COLT AUTOMATIC CALIBER .45. Rampant Colt logotype. Right side of slide – COLTS P.T.F.A MFG. CO.  HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. COLT .45 AUTO N.M. is stamped on the top of the chamber area visible through the ejection port.

Grip Panels: Crafted from premium American walnut. Unlike standard military or commercial 1911s of the era that featured a fully checkered or “double diamond” pattern, vintage Pre-Series 70 Gold Cups featured fully checkered panels stretching across the entire face. Grips are inlaid with flush-fitting gold-colored Colt medallions. The medallions feature the iconic rampant Colt horse facing forward. No chips or cracks. Excellent condition.

Finish: The finish of the Colt pre-Series 70 Gold Cup line made in the 1960’s represents some of the finest production metalwork in American firearms history. It evolved from high-gloss, labor-intensive hand polishing to modern, durable satin surfaces. This pistol features Colt’s legendary Royal Blue finish. Master polishers used progressively finer abrasive wheels and canvas polishing wheels to mirror-finish the flat surfaces of the slide and frame before immersion in a proprietary chemical bluing bath.  The finish is a deep, dark, almost liquid-ink black-blue. The flat surfaces are highly reflective, while the curved surfaces (like the top of the slide) are given a contrasting, non-reflective matte finish to reduce glare for target shooters.

Finish Originality: Original. 99%-100%.

Match Barrel and Bore: The barrel and bore of the Colt Pre-Series 70 Gold Cup line underwent critical changes in metallurgy, design, and rifling profile to match evolving production standards and accuracy requirements. The barrel profile features a traditional straight barrel profile with a standard diameter from the chamber to the muzzle. It relies entirely on a hand-fitted, solid steel barrel bushing to lock up tightly into the slide. The bore features standard 6-groove, left-hand twist rifling. The bore was highly polished from the factory to prevent lead buildup, as competitive shooters of this era predominantly fired soft, lubricated lead wadcutter bullets.

Match Barrel and Bore: The bore is mirror bright with very sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. Condition is 9.9+ out of 10 (10 is mint).

Mechanics: The action functions correctly and there is no play between the barrel assembly and frame. The hold-open latch keeps the action open on an empty magazine.

Magazine: One 7-round original magazine stamped COLT .45 AUTO. It has no dents and includes intact feed lips and a strong spring. It is fully functional and we would rate it in excellent condition.

NRA Antique Firearm Condition: Excellent – Factory New. All original parts; 100% original finish; in perfect condition in every respect, inside and out. Unmarred wood grip panels; outstanding bore.

History: In 1911 the U.S. armed forces officially adopted a pistol designed by John Moses Browning. Introduced as the “Automatic Pistol, Caliber .45, M1911,” it would go on to become the most respected combat handgun of all time and the favorite of generations of soldiers, law enforcement officers, armed professionals, target shooters and sportsmen. The 1911A1 .45ACP pistol remained the official sidearm of U.S. armed forces until 1985, when it was replaced by the 9mm Beretta M9. The Pre-Series 70 Colt Gold Cup National Match (manufactured from 1957 to 1970) is the direct ancestor of modern competition 1911s. Born of the post-WWII civilian and military target-shooting revival, it bridged the gap between basic service sidearms and customized match pistols. Original examples from this 1957-1970 era are highly prized by collectors for their lustrous bluing and historical significance to competitive shooting.

Overall Assessment: The legendary 1911A1 pistol plqtform s renowned for its reliability and ruggedness.  This is an exceptional example of a Pre-Series 70 Colt Gold Cup National Match .45 ACP Pistol — a true crown jewel for serious collectors and enthusiasts! Dated to 1967 based on the serial number, this distinguished piece is a Pre-Series 70 production model that embodies history and Colt craftsmanship at its finest. Featuring the Original Factory Blue finish, a Factory 5″ barrel, and Elliason Factory sights, this firearm offers enhanced accuracy and performance straight from the factory floor. The elegant Factory checkered wood grips with inlaid gold medallions elevate its timeless appeal, reflecting superb craftsmanship and attention to detail.  The original barrel is nearly mint and has a mirror bright bore with very sharp rifling without any erosion. This pistol would make an excellent shooter that we anticipate has a high degree of reliability and accuracy. This pistol is well-maintained pistol has outstanding mechanics, retains all of its original legendary Royal Blue finish and premium American walnut  fully checkered grip panels with flush-fitting gold-colored Colt medallions. We would rate the pistol in excellent – Factory New condition (NRA Antique Firearm Condition). The pistol maintains a striking appearance that speaks to its quality and rarity.  Don’t miss your chance to own this coveted piece of Colt history—an ultra-rare pre-Series 70 Gold Cup National Match that belongs in the heart of any 1911 collection.