Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this RARE and SOUGHT-AFTER semi-automatic pistol for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Delta Elite First Edition.
The Colt Delta Elite First Edition is a highly desirable limited-production variant, distinguished by laser-engraved markings with gold fill that elevate its presentation beyond the standard model. Featuring smooth wood grips and produced in a run of just 500 examples, this First Edition combines the performance of the iconic 10mm Delta Elite with enhanced aesthetic detail and scarcity, making it especially appealing to collectors of modern Colt 1911s.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Delta Elite First Edition
Serial: DE00361
Date of Manufacture: 1987 (According to https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup/)
Caliber: 10mm
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Three White-Dot Sights
Stock/Grips: Smooth Wood with Gold Colt Medallions
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard / The following markings are in gold. The left of the slide is marked “DELTA ELITE / -COLT AUTO-” with “10mm” in a triangle in the center, the right is marked “First Edition”, and each side has a rampant colt logo in a circle behind the serrations.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Delta Elite holds a unique place in modern handgun history as one of the first production 1911 pistols chambered in the powerful 10mm Auto cartridge. Introduced in the late 1980s, the Delta Elite was Colt’s response to growing interest in high-performance semi-automatic pistols offering greater velocity and stopping power than traditional service calibers. Built on the classic Government Model frame with a 5-inch barrel, it retained the familiar ergonomics, single-action trigger, and slim profile of the 1911 while adapting the platform to handle the increased pressures of the 10mm round. Early examples featured distinctive Delta medallions in the grips and a stainless or blued finish, reinforcing its identity as a purpose-built, high-energy fighting pistol.
Model: Delta Elite First Edition
Serial: DE00361
Date of Manufacture: 1987 (According to https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup/)
Caliber: 10mm
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Three White-Dot Sights
Stock/Grips: Smooth Wood with Gold Colt Medallions
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard / The following markings are in gold. The left of the slide is marked “DELTA ELITE / -COLT AUTO-” with “10mm” in a triangle in the center, the right is marked “First Edition”, and each side has a rampant colt logo in a circle behind the serrations.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Delta Elite holds a unique place in modern handgun history as one of the first production 1911 pistols chambered in the powerful 10mm Auto cartridge. Introduced in the late 1980s, the Delta Elite was Colt’s response to growing interest in high-performance semi-automatic pistols offering greater velocity and stopping power than traditional service calibers. Built on the classic Government Model frame with a 5-inch barrel, it retained the familiar ergonomics, single-action trigger, and slim profile of the 1911 while adapting the platform to handle the increased pressures of the 10mm round. Early examples featured distinctive Delta medallions in the grips and a stainless or blued finish, reinforcing its identity as a purpose-built, high-energy fighting pistol.
Historically, the Delta Elite played a significant role in popularizing the 10mm Auto and demonstrating the adaptability of the 1911 design to modern, high-performance cartridges. While initial production highlighted the need for refinements to manage recoil and long-term durability, later iterations incorporated strengthened components that improved longevity and shootability. The pistol gained a following among law-enforcement professionals, competitive shooters, and enthusiasts who valued its power and accuracy. Today, the Colt Delta Elite is appreciated both as a capable shooter and as an important milestone in Colt’s evolution of the 1911 platform, making it a desirable model for collectors interested in late-20th-century American handgun development.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the original factory-labeled box and contents as pictured above.
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. 
