Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this single-action semi-automatic pistol for a penny-start auction, this is a Rare First-Generation Colt Delta Elite.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Delta Elite Government Model (First Generation / Pre-Enhanced)
Serial: DE11021 ("DE" Prefix Delta Block)
Date of Manufacture: 1987
Caliber: 10mm Auto
Finish: Factory Matte Blued Ordnance Steel Slide & Frame Assembly
Barrel Length: 5" Government Profile Match Barrel
Optics/Sights: Fixed High-Profile Three-Dot Combat Sight System
Stock/Grips: Factory Black Pebble-Textured Wrap-Around Rubber Grips w/ Molded Red Delta Triangle Medallions
Action: Single-Action Short-Recoil Semi-Automatic Pistol w/ Series 80 Firing Pin Block Safety, Spur Hammer, Standard Grip Safety, Frame-Mounted Thumb Safety, and Single-Stack Magazine Feed
Markings: Left side of slide stamped "DELTA / ELITE / -COLT / 10mm AUTO-"; right side of slide stamped "GOVERNMENT MODEL"; right side of frame stamped "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A." above serial number "DE11021"; barrel chamber stamped "-CAL. 10 MM AUTO-".
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Introduced in 1987 as one of the most landmark commercial semi-automatic pistol developments of the late 20th century, the Colt Delta Elite chambered John Brennan and Whit Collins' powerhouse 10mm Auto cartridge into the immortal Government Model 1911 platform. Manufactured at Colt's historic Hartford, Connecticut facility, the Delta Elite was engineered specifically to manage the high pressures and heavy slide velocities of original full-power 10mm loads. Built on Colt's forged Series 80 carbon steel frame architecture, early production models featured traditional pre-enhanced Government Model contours, including a classic spur hammer, standard GI grip safety spur, high-profile three-dot combat sights, and iconic black pebble-textured wrap-around rubber grips housing red enamel Delta triangle medallions. Discontinued in its original blued carbon steel configuration, first-generation early production Delta Elites bearing low "DE" serial prefixes hold premier investment status among 1911 collectors and 10mm Auto aficionados.
This specific example is an authentic, highly collectible First-Generation Colt Delta Elite manufactured in 1987, bearing desirable serial number DE11021. Chambered in 10mm Auto, it features a 5-inch Government profile barrel, high-profile three-dot combat sights, and Colt's factory matte blued steel finish. Fitted directly from the factory w/ original black pebble-textured wrap-around rubber grips housing vibrant red Delta triangle medallions, the metal finish exhibits crisp overall aesthetic preservation w/ deep coverage, light edge thinning along high points, and sharp factory roll-mark engraving. Mechanically, the single-action Series 80 lockwork functions crisply, the slide glides smoothly on frame rails, safety detents engage positively, and the 5-inch 10mm bore remains mirror-bright w/ sharp, defined rifling throughout. Presenting a early DE-prefix production serial number, this classic blued 1987 Colt Delta Elite represents an outstanding investment-grade acquisition for fine Colt handgun collectors.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: Delta Elite Government Model (First Generation / Pre-Enhanced)
Serial: DE11021 ("DE" Prefix Delta Block)
Date of Manufacture: 1987
Caliber: 10mm Auto
Finish: Factory Matte Blued Ordnance Steel Slide & Frame Assembly
Barrel Length: 5" Government Profile Match Barrel
Optics/Sights: Fixed High-Profile Three-Dot Combat Sight System
Stock/Grips: Factory Black Pebble-Textured Wrap-Around Rubber Grips w/ Molded Red Delta Triangle Medallions
Action: Single-Action Short-Recoil Semi-Automatic Pistol w/ Series 80 Firing Pin Block Safety, Spur Hammer, Standard Grip Safety, Frame-Mounted Thumb Safety, and Single-Stack Magazine Feed
Markings: Left side of slide stamped "DELTA / ELITE / -COLT / 10mm AUTO-"; right side of slide stamped "GOVERNMENT MODEL"; right side of frame stamped "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A." above serial number "DE11021"; barrel chamber stamped "-CAL. 10 MM AUTO-".
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Introduced in 1987 as one of the most landmark commercial semi-automatic pistol developments of the late 20th century, the Colt Delta Elite chambered John Brennan and Whit Collins' powerhouse 10mm Auto cartridge into the immortal Government Model 1911 platform. Manufactured at Colt's historic Hartford, Connecticut facility, the Delta Elite was engineered specifically to manage the high pressures and heavy slide velocities of original full-power 10mm loads. Built on Colt's forged Series 80 carbon steel frame architecture, early production models featured traditional pre-enhanced Government Model contours, including a classic spur hammer, standard GI grip safety spur, high-profile three-dot combat sights, and iconic black pebble-textured wrap-around rubber grips housing red enamel Delta triangle medallions. Discontinued in its original blued carbon steel configuration, first-generation early production Delta Elites bearing low "DE" serial prefixes hold premier investment status among 1911 collectors and 10mm Auto aficionados.
This specific example is an authentic, highly collectible First-Generation Colt Delta Elite manufactured in 1987, bearing desirable serial number DE11021. Chambered in 10mm Auto, it features a 5-inch Government profile barrel, high-profile three-dot combat sights, and Colt's factory matte blued steel finish. Fitted directly from the factory w/ original black pebble-textured wrap-around rubber grips housing vibrant red Delta triangle medallions, the metal finish exhibits crisp overall aesthetic preservation w/ deep coverage, light edge thinning along high points, and sharp factory roll-mark engraving. Mechanically, the single-action Series 80 lockwork functions crisply, the slide glides smoothly on frame rails, safety detents engage positively, and the 5-inch 10mm bore remains mirror-bright w/ sharp, defined rifling throughout. Presenting a early DE-prefix production serial number, this classic blued 1987 Colt Delta Elite represents an outstanding investment-grade acquisition for fine Colt handgun collectors.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1203633283 |
BidPrice: |
605 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-09-27 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
716 |
