1987 Colt 1911 Gold Cup National Match Gold Cup Elite 1 of 750 No Reserve

This 1987 Colt Gold Cup National Match is one of 750 units originally produced by Colt under the “Gold Cup Elite” title. A .45 ACP semi-automatic pistol, manufactured with upgrades found commonly found in target pistols which typically gave customer hand fitted internals and a few other upgrades straight from the factory, that would normally be made by a gunsmith. These configurations typically include; hand fitted internals, a wider trigger, and beveled magazine well and upgraded front and rear sights. 

This blue finish of the slide of this Gold Cup Elite is deep throughout and shows sharp leading edges. The slide shows a clean smooth matte finish along the top rib. Light silvering associated with cycling can be seen on the left sight of the recoil spring housing. 

The frame in stainless steel retains a smooth finish and features a serrated front strap and serrated mainspring housing without any detractions. The walnut grips show sharp checkering and are bright in color. The gold Colt medallions sit in the center of the grip 

The Gold Cup Pistol wears the following markings on the left side; “GOLD CUP ELITE” over the top of “-COLT 45 ACP-” The left side trigger guard bow, has a “VP” in a triangle cartouche and “3” sitting above. The right side has “GOLD CUP NATIONAL MATCH” stacked next to the image of a trophy style cup. The right side of the frame has Colt’s patent and address starting above the grip “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and the serial number is just the left of the slide stop pin “GCE651” 

Other markings on the pistol include the barrel hood; “COLT 45 AUTO N.M.” the rear sight “ELLIASON” and the Magazine floor plate “COLT 45 AUTO” behind the rampant colt and in front of a single “M”. 

Included with this Gold cup elite is the Colt Factory Archive Letter, it states the following; “The above-mentioned firearm has the following special features: Stainless steel receiver, blue slide, special Roll mark on the left side of the slide which reads: “Gold Cup Elite”, and a beveled magazine well. The serial number range for this edition is GCE001 to GCE750” It also states this pistol shipped with a Smooth Rosewood grip fitted with gold and black medallions. These are not included with the pistol.

The date of shipment for this Gold Cup Elite was November 13, 1987, and was shipped to Midwest Recreational Shooting Supplies in Ashland, Ohio. The maroon box is in great condition and all corners are intact.