*SOLD* 1957 Colt National Match .45 ACP Blue 5" *PRE-70 SERIES GOLD CUP MODEL*
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Born as an expensive gun in the depths of the Great Depression, the finely crafted National Match sold better than expected but was never destined to be a mass-market success. The addition of the Super Match, a .38 Super with the same treatment, differing only in markings, caliber, and cartridge capacity, did little to change the inevitable. When production ceased with the outbreak of WWII, the epoch of the Colt National Match had come to an end. While Mullin notes that a few were assembled from leftover parts after the war’s conclusion, the company chose not to make it a catalog item. However, the concept was resurrected in 1957 with the Gold Cup. The first runs were marked only “National Match” on the slide, and later “National Match Gold Cup,” and finally just “Gold Cup.” Colt’s Gold Cup National Match 1911s have been a benchmark standard of quality for decades.
There have been some variations since their introduction in the late ’50s, the Series ’70 introduced a collet barrel bushing, series ’80 a firing pin safety, and newer models offered various combinations of features, grips and sights. This is one of the earlier production pistols, made before they started marking them with the “Gold Cup” name. Whether you’re looking for a great 1911-style target pistol or want to add an early-style Gold Cup National Match to your collection, this is a nice old pony.
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Gold Cup National Match
Serial: 1612NM
Date of Manufacture: 1957
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5" National Match Barrel
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Adjustable Elliason Rear
Stock/Grips: Fully Checkered Walnut Grips with Inlaid Gold Colt Medallions
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Apr 29th 2025
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