Description
Item Description
national match gold cup trophy combat commander government
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this unique and often overlooked double-action semi-automatic pistol for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Double Eagle “First Edition”!
Our example of the Colt Double Eagle is a standout from the rare and collectible "First Edition" run, bearing the desirable early serial number DA00660. Produced in 1989 as part of a limited series of just 1,000 units (serial numbers DT00001 through DT01000), this model represents Colt’s initial attempt to modernize the 1911 platform with a DA/SA configuration. Notably, these early First Edition pistols were produced without the decocking lever found on later models, making them unique in both design and historical context. Though the Double Eagle line ended production in 1997, examples like this remain significant as Colt’s only true DA/SA adaptation of the iconic 1911.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Double Eagle "First Edition"
Serial: DA00660
Date of Manufacture: 1989 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup/)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Matte Stainless
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed 3-Dot Sighting System
Stock/Grips: Checkered Synthetic Xenoy Grips with Serpentine Colt Logo
Action: Double-Action Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard / The left side of the slide is marked “COLT”, features a depiction of two eagle heads, “DOUBLE EAGLE”, and “-First Edition-”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In the 1980s, the firearms industry was undergoing a major shift. For decades, revolvers and single-action pistols, particularly the Colt 1911, had dominated the market. However, the rise in popularity of double-action/single-action (DA/SA) semi-automatics began to reshape shooter preferences, especially in law enforcement and civilian defense markets. Recognizing the need to adapt, Colt responded in 1989 with the introduction of the Double Eagle, a DA/SA pistol that marked a significant departure from the company’s traditionally single-action lineup. This new design aimed to combine the familiar ergonomics of the 1911 with the modern functionality of a DA/SA system, hoping to offer a more contemporary option while maintaining the lineage of its most iconic pistol.
Model: Double Eagle "First Edition"
Serial: DA00660
Date of Manufacture: 1989 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup/)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Matte Stainless
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed 3-Dot Sighting System
Stock/Grips: Checkered Synthetic Xenoy Grips with Serpentine Colt Logo
Action: Double-Action Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard / The left side of the slide is marked “COLT”, features a depiction of two eagle heads, “DOUBLE EAGLE”, and “-First Edition-”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In the 1980s, the firearms industry was undergoing a major shift. For decades, revolvers and single-action pistols, particularly the Colt 1911, had dominated the market. However, the rise in popularity of double-action/single-action (DA/SA) semi-automatics began to reshape shooter preferences, especially in law enforcement and civilian defense markets. Recognizing the need to adapt, Colt responded in 1989 with the introduction of the Double Eagle, a DA/SA pistol that marked a significant departure from the company’s traditionally single-action lineup. This new design aimed to combine the familiar ergonomics of the 1911 with the modern functionality of a DA/SA system, hoping to offer a more contemporary option while maintaining the lineage of its most iconic pistol.
Marketed as the Series 90, the Colt Double Eagle retained much of the visual and ergonomic identity of the 1911, but its internal mechanics introduced several complexities. Notably, it removed both the traditional thumb and grip safeties, relying instead on a heavier double-action trigger for the first shot and a frame-mounted decocker positioned just above the magazine release. While this made the gun more aligned with other DA/SA pistols of the time, it also created some user challenges—one being a problematic design quirk where a spring could easily dislodge when removing the grip panels. Though the full-size model featured a 5-inch barrel like the original 1911, the additional mechanical features made the pistol noticeably heavier. Colt produced the Double Eagle in full-size, Commander, and Officer variants, offering calibers such as .45 ACP, 10mm, 9mm, .40 S&W, and .38 Super, though the majority were chambered in .45 ACP and 10mm. A practical advantage was its compatibility with standard 1911 magazines, but this also limited capacity to 7–8 rounds during a time when higher-capacity pistols were becoming the norm.
Despite its innovations and efforts to modernize, the Double Eagle struggled in the marketplace. It faced stiff competition from already-established DA/SA pistols and failed to gain strong traction among shooters who either preferred the simplicity of the 1911 or had already moved on to other platforms. Production ceased in 1997, and while it never achieved widespread popularity, the Double Eagle remains a fascinating piece of Colt history. One of its more collectible variants is the "First Edition," limited to just 1,000 units with serial numbers DT00001 through DT01000. Interestingly, this initial 1989 production run did not include the decocking lever that became standard in later versions, setting these early models apart in both form and function. As Logan Metesh of High Caliber History notes, “Colt was trying to modernize the 1911 in the early ’90s in an effort to refresh the then-80-year-old design.” The Double Eagle stands as the only DA/SA pistol Colt ever based on the 1911, making it a unique, if underappreciated, chapter in the company’s long and storied legacy.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the original Colt Double Eagle First Edition combination lock hard-sided case and a total of two magazines 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.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
We have an amazing inventory of classic and collector firearms that we are adding to Gunbroker daily. Stay up to date on all of our latest auction by adding us to your favorite sellers list.
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.
