Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this ULTRA-RARE semi-automatic pistol for auction; this is the Colt National Match!
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The National Match pistol was similar to the Government Model but with a hand-honed action, match-grade barrel, and a blue or nickel finish. The words "National Match" were stamped on the right side of the slide. A total of 4,813 National Match pistols were manufactured between February 9, 1932, and September 16, 1941, with serial numbers ranging from C162997-C204640. Of these, 3,339 had fixed sights, and 1,474 had adjustable sights. The first National Match pistol, which featured a fixed sight, was shipped on January 7, 1932, and had the lowest serial number of C162997. The last National Match pistol, featuring a fixed sight, was shipped on February 22, 1942, with serial number C200288. The highest serial number of an adjustable sight model was C204671, shipped on August 20, 1941.
According to the included factory letter, this example was shipped to J.L. Galef in New York on October 7, 1940. It was from Colt Factory Order #9438 and furnished with an adjustable sight.
This National Match model is an exceptional firearm designed for accurate and precise shooting. This particular version boasts an impressive feature - adjustable sights - which allow for a highly customizable shooting experience. Out of the limited production run of this model, only 1,474 units were manufactured with adjustable sights, making it a rare and highly sought-after piece by collectors!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: National Match
Serial: C188727
Date of Manufacture: 1938 (According to Colt Serial Search); October 7, 1940 (Shipped Date According to Colt Factory Letter)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5" Match Grade Barrel
Optics/Sights: Fixed Ramp Front and Adjustable Rear with Square Notch
Stock/Grips: Fully Checkered Walnut
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / The right side of the slide is stamped "NATIONAL MATCH COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE .45 (Rampant Colt Logo)."
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Government Model was first introduced in 1912 and proved to be quite successful. After the end of World War I, many veterans were comfortable with the large .45 Auto and N.R.A. sponsored shooting matches that became increasingly popular. However, shooting bulls-eye targets at fixed ranges required a level of accuracy that was often lacking in the standard Government Model. Early gunsmiths like Pachmayr and Buchanan began fitting better sights and barrels to improve the model's performance. Colt started offering specially selected "Match Barrels" that were marked with a circled MB on the left lug. A review of the Colt shipping records from the 1920s shows that many custom-ordered guns had tweaked trigger pulls, match barrels, and wider sights to improve functionality. Finally, in January 1932, the Colt catalog listed the first National Match model with "a hand-honed velvet smooth target action-selected 'Match' barrel-and 'Patridge' type sights." In 1935, the Stevens adjustable rear sight became the standard, even though their use was prohibited in the competitive matches of the day.
Model: National Match
Serial: C188727
Date of Manufacture: 1938 (According to Colt Serial Search); October 7, 1940 (Shipped Date According to Colt Factory Letter)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5" Match Grade Barrel
Optics/Sights: Fixed Ramp Front and Adjustable Rear with Square Notch
Stock/Grips: Fully Checkered Walnut
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / The right side of the slide is stamped "NATIONAL MATCH COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE .45 (Rampant Colt Logo)."
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Government Model was first introduced in 1912 and proved to be quite successful. After the end of World War I, many veterans were comfortable with the large .45 Auto and N.R.A. sponsored shooting matches that became increasingly popular. However, shooting bulls-eye targets at fixed ranges required a level of accuracy that was often lacking in the standard Government Model. Early gunsmiths like Pachmayr and Buchanan began fitting better sights and barrels to improve the model's performance. Colt started offering specially selected "Match Barrels" that were marked with a circled MB on the left lug. A review of the Colt shipping records from the 1920s shows that many custom-ordered guns had tweaked trigger pulls, match barrels, and wider sights to improve functionality. Finally, in January 1932, the Colt catalog listed the first National Match model with "a hand-honed velvet smooth target action-selected 'Match' barrel-and 'Patridge' type sights." In 1935, the Stevens adjustable rear sight became the standard, even though their use was prohibited in the competitive matches of the day.
The number of National Match pistols produced is unknown. They were not given a special serial number or identified in the production ledgers. They were randomly placed in the serial number range from C162000 (1932) to C215083 (1940), which covers about 53,000 pistols. However, around 25,000 pistols were shipped overseas, and 6,575 were transferred to Colt's military contract in 1942, leaving roughly 21,500 pistols available for the American market. Timothy J. Mullin, author of "American Beauty, The Prewar Colt National Match Government Model Pistol," estimated that fewer than 1,500 National Match pistols were made but located less than 150 examples before publishing his book in 1999. Charles W. Clawson, author of "Colt .45 Government Models (Commercial Series)," put the estimate at fewer than 3,000. At the time, a standard Government Model cost $36.75, and a National Match cost $40.75. During the Depression, 90% of the population made less than $5,000 yearly, and probably half of those employed made less than $2,500 yearly.
Contents:
This example will come with the corresponding factory letter and a photocopy packet of the article "The Colt National Match Pistol" by Massad Ayoob from The Accurate Rifle's November 2004 issue, 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 $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping $70.00
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Payment Details
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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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