Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this semi-automatic pistol today for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Gold Cup Commander!
Colt’s Gold Cup Commander “Custom Edition” was a short-run early-1990s project that brought the National Match/Gold Cup feature set to the 4.25? Commander format—aimed at shooters who wanted competition-grade accuracy in a more compact 1911. Contemporary collector and dealer records indicate the initial Custom Edition run (c. 1991–1992) was 500 blued and 500 stainless, with reports of a later repeat run of another 500 in each finish; exact factory totals aren’t formally published, but enthusiasts commonly cite “two runs of 500 per finish.” As for why it ended, it appears to have been conceived as a finite, distributor-style special rather than a catalog mainstay, and as Colt moved through the turbulent quality-control and lineup shifts of the period, the Commander-length Gold Cup reverted to being an occasional limited variant rather than a standing production model—effectively “canceled” once the special runs concluded.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Gold Cup Commander - Custom Edition
Serial: GCC1015
Date of Manufacture: 1991
Caliber: .45ACP
Finish: Stainless
Barrel Length: 4.25"
Optics/Sights: Elliason Adjustable Rear Sight w/ Fixed Post Front
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Grips w/ Silver Colt Medallions
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / left side of the slide is marked “GOLD CUP COMMANDER - CUSTOM EDITION -”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Colt’s Gold Cup Commander “Custom Edition” emerged in the early 1990s to marry the National Match/Gold Cup concept—traditionally a full-size, target-tuned 1911—with the handier 4.25" Commander format. The goal was straightforward: deliver Gold Cup accuracy and features in a more compact package for shooters who valued quicker handling without giving up the tuned trigger, match sights, and National Match barrel associated with Colt’s competition lineage. Contemporary factory letters and auction documentation show the “Custom Edition” rollmark and Commander length paired with National Match features, confirming Colt’s intent to create a targeted, small-batch variant rather than a broad catalog staple. Mechanically and cosmetically, these pistols carried the hallmarks of the era’s Gold Cups adapted to a Commander: Elliason target rear sight, National Match barrel/chamber markings, and dual slide rollmarks—“Gold Cup Commander / Custom Edition” on the left and “Gold Cup / National Match” on the right—plus quality fit and finish consistent with limited-run attention. Surviving examples and detailed auction descriptions reinforce this feature set and the specific rollmarking, giving the model a distinct identity within Colt’s 1990s lineup.
Model: Gold Cup Commander - Custom Edition
Serial: GCC1015
Date of Manufacture: 1991
Caliber: .45ACP
Finish: Stainless
Barrel Length: 4.25"
Optics/Sights: Elliason Adjustable Rear Sight w/ Fixed Post Front
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Grips w/ Silver Colt Medallions
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / left side of the slide is marked “GOLD CUP COMMANDER - CUSTOM EDITION -”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Colt’s Gold Cup Commander “Custom Edition” emerged in the early 1990s to marry the National Match/Gold Cup concept—traditionally a full-size, target-tuned 1911—with the handier 4.25" Commander format. The goal was straightforward: deliver Gold Cup accuracy and features in a more compact package for shooters who valued quicker handling without giving up the tuned trigger, match sights, and National Match barrel associated with Colt’s competition lineage. Contemporary factory letters and auction documentation show the “Custom Edition” rollmark and Commander length paired with National Match features, confirming Colt’s intent to create a targeted, small-batch variant rather than a broad catalog staple. Mechanically and cosmetically, these pistols carried the hallmarks of the era’s Gold Cups adapted to a Commander: Elliason target rear sight, National Match barrel/chamber markings, and dual slide rollmarks—“Gold Cup Commander / Custom Edition” on the left and “Gold Cup / National Match” on the right—plus quality fit and finish consistent with limited-run attention. Surviving examples and detailed auction descriptions reinforce this feature set and the specific rollmarking, giving the model a distinct identity within Colt’s 1990s lineup.
As for production, enthusiast and collector sources consistently report the initial Custom Edition run as 500 blued and 500 stainless (c. 1991–1992). Several experienced owners and forum historians add that Colt later repeated the concept with another 500 of each finish, for a commonly cited total of two runs per finish—though Colt has not published an official factory total, and some discussions separately reference a later “standard” (non-Custom-Edition) Gold Cup Commander in three runs of 500 under different serial schemes. Together, these threads and sales records explain why you’ll see “1 of 500” language on individual examples and why totals in the wild can look like 1,000 or more when both runs and variants are considered. Why it ended is mostly about scope and timing. Evidence points to the Custom Edition being conceived as a finite, distributor-style special, not a standing production line. Once the limited quotas were filled—and as Colt navigated broader lineup and QC turbulence in the 1990s—the Commander-length Gold Cup reverted to occasional limited variants and related follow-ons rather than continuing as a permanent model. In other words, the “cancellation” was the planned conclusion of a small-batch project, not a mid-stream axing for poor reception.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the Factory-Original Colt picture box, paperwork, and everything 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.
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.
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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
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