Colt Pre-70 National Match Date

Barrocky

I recently aquired a Colt Pre-70 series NM in .45 cal - serial number 11,3xxNM and would like to know the year this gun was made. I don't have any books that show serial numbers. Thanks ....Jeff

JudgeColt

According to the charts, 1963 National Match production began at serial number 10900-NM, and 1964 NM production began at 12500-NM. As you can see, production was not high for the NM. You can assume your pistol was made in 1963, but, with Colt, nothing is for sure. The only way to verify, is to buy a factory letter for your pistol. I think the cost would be $100 for a NM, and it would add more than that to the value of the pistol, assuming your pistol is original and of collector quality.

Barrocky

Judge, Thanks for your help. The gun is all original for sure,looks unfired with zero handling marks and has the original box and outer shipping cover. I'm a condition collector and I won't buy anything less than say 99.5% - only flaw is all the papers got lost along the way. I think I'll wait awhile before buying a Colt letter for this one - I love the older Colt guns but about their factory letters - let's just say I much prefer S&W in that area ....Jeff

JudgeColt

Wow, an outer shipping carton! Please describe it for me. Is it just a heavy paper sleeve that fits over the box leaving the end label exposed, or is it a box within which the gun box fits? How is it marked? What are its color and material? Etc.? I assume the gun box itself is a two-piece, kind-of-pale woodgrain (top and bottom) with yellow end label with black printing, and the serial number hand-written on the bottom in black marker. Correct? Is the inside green or natural?

Barrocky

Judge, The gun box is what I have heard called the tri-color box,but it has more than 3 colors. I am very familiar with the woodgrain type,Colt used that box for many models but I think they only used the "tri-color" for the National Match guns. There is a gun and box up for auction here right now #349769 - the last picture shows the box. The inside is bright red and is die cut for the gun,there is a flat piece of cardboard that fits on top of the gun to help hold it in place better. The outer shipping carton is made of plain light weight cardboard with both ends open and is tightly fitted to slide over the gun box. The serial number is written on the outer carton as is the caliber,there are no serial numbers or labels or caliber markings on the box itself. Those are really nice boxes, very high gloss finish and many colors,even the bottom is very high gloss black ....Jeff

Barrocky

I messed up the auction number - try #3419769

JudgeColt

Now I know the kind of box you have. Mine is an earlier gun (1959) and has the woodgrain box with yellow label, green inside and serial number on the bottom of the box. Your box is a very desirable variation. You have a great package with your NM box and sleeve, etc.. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Cletis

Judgecolt How do you find the year the gun was made. Just curious because I have one my father gave me. The # is 214XXNM. Very accurate and pretty. Someone crome plated it. Is there a websight with this info or could you tell me when it was made? Thanks John

JudgeColt

My chart shows 1967.

JudgeColt

On reflection, I realize I did not answer all your questions. As far as I know, there is no website with Colt serial numbers. (However, there may be sites with AR-15 serial numbers.) I suggest you buy a copy of Robert L. Wilson's book, "Colt American Legand." It has charts through 1985 for most Colt firearms. The book is out of print so it may be hard to find.

Cletis

Thanks I'll look around for a web sight. I found the AR15 sights, I'll look for a 1911 web sight, got to be one. Thanks