November 5th & 6th 2016 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/5/2016
Manufactured 1936. Prior to World War II, a customer could order a National Match pistol for approximately $4 extra that would include a hand-honed action and a Match barrel. The balance of the gun was similar to a standard model with blued finish, checkered walnut grip panels and all small checkered parts. Due to the fact that most pistol matches required fixed sights, very few Match pistols were ordered with the Stevens adjustable rear sight, making them one of the more scarce pre-war 1911s available. This all original example shows some grey patina on front grip strap, high edge muzzle wear and has a pencil eraser-sized dull spot on right rear of slide. Barrel is stamped "Colt 45 Auto Match" on lower left side at lug. No Swartz safety. Overall the pistol retains approximately 85-90% original high polish factory blue finish. Fine bore and action. Near mint checkered walnut grips. The pre-war National Match 1911 was the most expensive gun in the Colt line up at the time. A collector can attend hundreds of examples and never see an example with the Stevens rear sight. This is an excellent example; while not mint, its rarity supersedes all other factors.