Make: Colt

Model: 1911A1 Limited TALO Edition, Model O1970A1MA (Govt Model Series 70)

Serial Number: MA001

Year of Manufacture: 2009 (per documentation from TALO)

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with Removable Magazine

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade, dovetailed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch, dovetailed and drift-adjustable for windage.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are factory double diamond-checkered wood panels with inlaid Colt medallions and circular “COLT” logos. The grips are well-fit to the frame and show no notable damage or wear. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains virtually all of its original blue finish, 99% plus with only faint handling marks visible. The slide flats show strong luster, and the frame exhibits a clean, uniform finish. The pistol is clearly unfired outside of factory testing, per documentation. There is no notable operational or cosmetic wear. The screw heads are unmarred. The markings are crisp and fully legible, including the unique rollmark and serialized number. Overall, the pistol rates in Excellent-Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger breaks cleanly and the slide cycles smoothly. This pistol features Colt’s Series 70 firing system and a wide spur hammer - all completed at the factory. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is the original white cardboard Colt box with matching serial number label, identifying this as a Model O1970A1MA, Series 70 Government Model chambered in .45 ACP with a 5” barrel and blue finish. Also included is the original TALO blue custom presentation box, factory manual, safety lock, orange chamber flag, descriptive card, and the TALO Certificate of Authenticity signed by Executive Director Robert Coyle. The certificate verifies this as serial number MA001—the very first pistol of the limited run of 460. The label also lists patent numbers 4555861 and 4754689.

Our Assessment: This is the very first Colt 1911A1 Limited TALO Edition ever made—serial number MA001—produced as a faithful factory reproduction of the iconic WWII-era M1911A1, complete with vintage features like the arched mainspring housing with lanyard loop, wide spur hammer, and original-style sights. Built on the Series 70 platform, this pistol combines historical aesthetics with the mechanical purity of Colt’s most beloved 1911 design.

The significance of this example cannot be overstated. TALO only produced 460 of these pistols in 2009, and MA001 was the very first to roll off the line. It has remained unfired and complete, housed in its original box with the signed certificate verifying its provenance. The pairing of “first of the run” status with impeccable condition makes this a top-tier collectible in the world of commemorative 1911s.

For serious Colt collectors, 1911 aficionados, or anyone seeking a centerpiece that bridges American military history and modern craftsmanship, this is as rare and significant as they come. MA001 is not just a pistol—it’s a crown jewel for any curated collection.