Make: Colt

Model: Custom MK IV Series 70 by Ed DeLorge

Serial Number: 70G51341

Year of Manufacture: 1974 / ATF Classification: C&R

Caliber/Gauge: .45 Auto

Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Magazine-Fed

Barrel Length: 5"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade with a serrated face, staked into the slide. The rear sight is a dovetailed square notch sight.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece ivory panels. The grips show minimal wear. There are no chips or cracks. The left interior of the grip panel is initialized and dated to 2005. The grips rate in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Satin nickel

Finish Originality: Applied at time of customization.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp with light fouling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its finish. There are faint handling and operational marks present. The engravings are clean and look fantastic. The markings are clear and complete. The screw heads are unmarred and retain turnable slots. Overall, this pistol rates in about Fine Plus condition as customized.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One 7rd Colt magazine & Certificate of Authenticity

Our Assessment: This custom-engraved Colt MK IV Series 70 Government Model represents the high point of 1970s commercial Colt production, elevated through the hand of engraver gunsmith Ed DeLorge. Manufactured in 1974, this pistol retains the classic pre-firing pin safety Series 70 configuration that remains especially desirable among collectors for its clean trigger geometry and traditional internal layout. DeLorge's engraving work transforms what is already an iconic American service pistol into a true presentation-grade arm, balancing coverage, flow, and restraint in a manner consistent with high-end custom shop work of the period.

Chambered in .45 Auto with a 5" barrel, this pistol reflects John Browning's original service-length format that defined the platform's reputation for reliability and shootability. The .45 ACP cartridge, adopted by the U.S. military in 1911, earned its legacy through a combination of controllability and terminal effectiveness, and remains inseparable from the identity of the Government Model. The bore rates a strong 9.5 out of 10, and the action functions correctly, reinforcing that this example remains mechanically sound in addition to its exceptional cosmetic presence.

Condition is outstanding, with approximately 99% of the engraved finish remaining. The engraving remains crisp and well-defined throughout, with no distracting wear interrupting the visual continuity of the work. The pistol is fitted with genuine ivory grips, which complement the engraving and firmly place this example in the upper tier of custom Series 70 Colts encountered on the market. This pistol is from the John Taffin Collection and is documented in print, appearing in "The Sixgunner: Playin’ Favorites: The 1911 .45 ACP" published by American Handgunner, as well as on page 236 of John Taffin's Book of the .45 Caliber. This combination of provenance, publication history, and condition places the pistol firmly among the most noteworthy custom Series 70 examples to surface.