Summary

Colt model 1911A1 National Match, series 70, semi-automatic pistol, International Shooters Edition, cal. .45ACP. Serial number 70N94548.

Made by Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Co, Hartford, Connecticut, 1981.

Shipped by Colt's to Frontier Arms Company, Canberra, 25 March 1981; see Colt Archive Properties authentication letter, dated 22 March 2007.

Physical Description

7 shot magazine located in butt, chequered hard rubber Pachmayr wrap-around grips, front blade sight with rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation, trigger, triggerguard and hammer spur chequered. Steel frame and slide in factory blued finish, slide inlaid on both sides with gold scrolls, ribbon. Stamped on L.H.side of triggerguard 'VP' and B, denoting firearm's final check as being positive. The single character is likely to be the code of the inspector.

Significance

The Colt National Match was one of several variants of the Colt model 1911A1 to appear in the early 1930s designed specifically for target use. It followed the Colt Ace .22 which had appear in 1931, and production dates often suggest its year of commencement as being 1932 for use at the National Matches held at Camp Perry. Commercial production was halted during the war, but recommenced in the post-war years when the civilian market once again turned towards target specific pistols. Colt reintroduced the model under the name Gold Cup National Match where it has continued under various names alterations and additions since. In 1970 the Series 70 National Match was introduced, and later superseded by the Series 80 in 1983. The limited edition International Shooters Edition is often recognised as being one of Colt's Gold Cup, series 70, National Match models. Most sources acknowledge that this edition was restricted to only 200 being produced.

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