Opinions on a Gold Cup by Colt constructed in 1959

Bulldog

Well-Known Member
Benefactor
Life Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 4, 2020
Messages
157
Location
Rowan County
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I was told at the time of purchase that this one is from around 1959, I was over anxious and paid what the asking price was. Not sure of it's actual value but am sure it's a keeper. It has been to the range and did not disappoint, actually surprised me by being more reliable that the S&W M-4516-1 I took with me to the range. I'm aware that one is single action only and the other is double action and then single action but the difference seems strange to me as I wasn't sure I was in control using the M-4516-1. My experience with semi-auto pistols is very limited as I was weened on the revolver so it surely could be operator error but the Colt was dependable and gave me confidence where the S&W did not. I'm not actually sure what I'm asking but am very interested in any experiences you might wish to share, always appreciate views from other folks!
 
Any Colt from 1959 is a keeper. Hope you didn't pay way, way too much! (Keep it anyway.)
Surely you’ve heard the saying...

You didn’t pay too much, you just bought too soon. :cool:
 
Surely you’ve heard the saying...

You didn’t pay too much, you just bought too soon. :cool:
Yes I have Jeff, just wasn't familiar with the value if the "Gold Cup" and it was presented at a time I was in the market, your opinion of the value is much appreciated.
Billy has not replied after I clarified my identity! Guess he's not a happy camper or busy!
 
IF your Colt was made in 1959. The marking on the slide should Not say Gold Cup. The slide markings should say National Match. The box can have Gold Cup on it but the slide should never have Gold Cup on it. The Gold Cup Series was later. Your gun if from 1959 is a treasure.
Billy has not replied after I clarified my identity!
If this was me, I haven't a clue what you are talking about. I have nothing from you. I have been visiting, buying guns and shooting on the range this afternoon. Again, this must not be me you are talking about?? The gun You bought is a real treasure. If you will send me the serial number I can tell you more. Post war National Match 1911s are wonderful. BB
 
IF your Colt was made in 1959. The marking on the slide should Not say Gold Cup. The slide markings should say National Match. The box can have Gold Cup on it but the slide should never have Gold Cup on it. The Gold Cup Series was later. Your gun if from 1959 is a treasure.

If this was me, I haven't a clue what you are talking about. I have nothing from you. I have been visiting, buying guns and shooting on the range this afternoon. Again, this must not be me you are talking about?? The gun You bought is a real treasure. If you will send me the serial number I can tell you more. Post war National Match 1911s are wonderful. BB

I apologize Billy, I must not know what I'm doing trying to send a PM. In the PMs I asked you about an extra cylinder for a M-16-4 S&W K frame revolver chambered for the .32 H&R Magnum, I hope to find one, have it reamed and fitted to shoot the .327 Federal Magnum trying to preserve the value of the M-16-4, you have a source? Did not get a box, only the pistol, I'll see if Jeppo will mind posting more photos tomorrow. Thanks Billy.
 
I apologize Billy, I must not know what I'm doing trying to send a PM. In the PMs I asked you about an extra cylinder for a M-16-4 S&W K frame revolver chambered for the .32 H&R Magnum, I hope to find one, have it reamed and fitted to shoot the .327 Federal Magnum trying to preserve the value of the M-16-4, you have a source? Did not get a box, only the pistol, I'll see if Jeppo will mind posting more photos tomorrow. Thanks Billy.
I'm betting that finding a Model 16 cylinder will be next to impossible, but a good gunsmith could probably take a model 17 or 18 cylinder and bore it to .32 Federal Magnum. My guess would be a .22 K frame cylinder would be easier to find, but would be more costly to bore out. I'd ream the model 16. I don't see it hurting the value that much and if you aren't going to sell it then what does it matter?
 
A note about the 50-60’s National Match 1911; if memory serves me right the slides were lightened for wadcutter usage and prolonged shooting of hardball loads can do damage.
Not sure When this wear takes place. I know 10,000+ rounds of service hardball has No effect.
 
Hello all, Billy says he is not very computer savvy but he sure knows his stuff when it comes to knowing what he's talking about with regard to guns & pistols in particular. This pistol is exactly what he said it is, a National Match with a four digit serial number. Will take a couple photos and ask Jeppo if he will post them but I need to mow the yard before the rain, I appreciate all the replies and interest.

Oh yes, do y'all think the value of the M-16-4 will be unaffected by reaming the original cylinder? The other option would be to locate another M-16-4, ream one and keep the other original but they are sorta hard to find.
 
Not sure When this wear takes place. I know 10,000+ rounds of service hardball has No effect.
It goes along the same lines as a purposeful built wad cutter gun which those first Gold Cups were, they function better with light loads and will hold their tolerances longer. Colt went back to the standard weight slide with the 70 series due to most folks firing whatever was at hand, the extra weight keeps the pistol at spec tolerances longer when firing standard ball.
 
Last edited:
Ive had several colts in the past, only one gold cup nat'l match though and it was a series 80. We converted it back to a 70 firing system and it was a great shooter and even better looker. Ive never had a big problem with any of my colts. Worst fit was on the newer combat elite. It wasn't terrible but had some def wobble on slide to frame fit. Shot reliably just not as accurate as the others. It sounds like you got a sweet example. Looking forward to seeing it!
 
Don't beat yosef up @Bulldog, There is not a single member here less computer savvy than Me. All is well on this end. Enjoy that National Match Colt!!!
If you will please send a PM my way I'll share the S/N, well that is if I can figure out what I was doing wrong before.
 
It goes along the same lines as a purposeful built wad cutter gun which those first Gold Cups were, they function better with light loads and will hold their tolerances longer. Colt went back to the standard weight slide with the 70 series due to most folks firing whatever was at hand, the extra weight keeps the pistol at spec tolerances longer when firing standard ball.
Doesn't change a thing I said..........
 
OK gang, if I did my part correctly Jeppo will be posting a couple photos of the National Match and I want to let you know I have the original Colt grips with Colt medallions but I found these Rosewood grips offered from Gun Parts Corp and thought they were a suitable replacement to save the originals.
 
Your gun was indeed made in 1959. As a side note your serial number Without NM as a suffix comes back that here were 48 guns made with your serial number!!
 
Your gun was indeed made in 1959. As a side note your serial number Without NM as a suffix comes back that here were 48 guns made with your serial number!!
I'd think right off that there was some slacking going on in 1959 at the Colt Factory, that seems terrible, what is a logical explanation? You happen to see a day & month to go with the year or is that all you have? THANKS for the information, you are the Man!
 
OK gang, if I did my part correctly Jeppo will be posting a couple photos of the National Match and I want to let you know I have the original Colt grips with Colt medallions but I found these Rosewood grips offered from Gun Parts Corp and thought they were a suitable replacement to save the originals.
Nice gun socks!
 
@Bulldog , the 48 guns go back over a production time of 150 years. So, not so hard to figure out why there were 48 guns with the same number. Come see us!!!! The Battery Oaks was alive with visitors gunfire today!!! There was a Wizard Killer on the compound!!!
 
Last edited:
@Bulldog , the 48 guns go back over a production time of 150 years. So, not so hard to figure out why there were 48 guns with the same number. Come see us!!!! The Battery Oaks was alive with visitors gunfire today!!! There was a Wizard Killer on the compound!!!

OK, I kinda jumped the gun a little, my first thoughts were that there were 47 other National Match pistols with the same S/N but you are saying that this covers many different models, I think.
 
Back
Top Bottom