Make: Valtro, imported by Berkshire Arms for John Jardine
Model: 1998 A1 Custom
Serial Number: A00541
Year of Manufacture: Early 2000s
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single-Action Semi-Automatic Detachable Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 5"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade with a tritium lamp dovetailed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch with two tritium lamps, adjustable for windage and elevation, dovetailed to the rear of the slide. The lamps have dimmed completely, but are still usable as a three-dot sighting system.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered double-diamond wood panels with Valtro medallions. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. 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 handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are only a few minor marks and very light operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: The pistol comes in a black plastic Valtro case with a total of two 8-round magazines, one Wilson Combat and one Ed Brown.
Our Assessment: The Valtro 1998 A1 has a fascinating history that all starts with famed pistolsmith and shooter John Jardine. In pursuit of building the finest "semi-custom" 1911 possible, Jardine contracted with Italian manufacturer Valtro and personally helped them set up production. The pistols all came through Jardine's shop in California for inspection, testing and customization from 1998 to around 2006. Production was quite limited, most references indicating fewer than 700, but Jardine made sure each and every one was just as high quality as he could make them.
This example, marked "CUSTOM .45" on the slide, is packed with features. From the french-border and forward slide serrations to finely checkered grip straps, skeletonized hammer and trigger to adjustable sights, widened and flared ejection port to full-length guide rod, it is comparable or superior to nearly any production 1911 available today. For an actual carry gun, edges and corners have all been dehorned with a recess around the slide stop shank to prevent it being accidentally pushed out.
The pistol is in Excellent condition, appearing to have spent more time in the included Valtro case than out. While this would still make for a fantastic pistol for self-defense or competition shooting, the limited production and passing of Mr. Jardine have also led to significant collector interest. Whatever your use for it, this Valtro 1998A1 will make a prized addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
