Make: Colt

Model: 1911

Serial Number: C189485

Year of Manufacture: 1938

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine

Barrel Length: 5"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade staked to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch sight adjustable for elevation and windage, dovetailed to the slide. The sights are original according to the factory letter.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood. There is no handling wear. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Custom Shop Inc. Restored.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some stubborn fouling in the muzzle end. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its current metal finish. The balance is strong and complete throughout with little to no evidence of operation and handling post restoration. The screw heads are sharp. The markings range from clear. Overall, the pistol is in about Excellent condition as professionally restored.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp and the slide has light play to the frame. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with one 7rd magazine in Excellent condition, a Colt Factory Letter confirming the original sights and shipment date of February 22, 1939, and two letters from Custom Shop Inc. documenting the restoration of this pistol.

Our Assessment: Colt’s National Match pistols were first advertised as a factory option in 1932, with a prototype having been sent to the Camp Perry matches in 1930. The National Match pistol was essentially a factory target pistol built on the Government Model frame, but with a hand-honed action, match barrel, and Patridge sight. Production would be continued until 1942 and resumed in 1957; at that time it was re-branded as the Gold Cup National Match.

This pre-War Colt National Match Government Model was made in 1938 and has been beautifully restored by Custom Shop Inc. Any pre-War National Match pistols are highly prized by collectors. This example is a great opportunity for a 1911 collector.