Delta Gold Cup NM

[fatguy]

I have a question about Delta Gold Cups. Most of the GCs I've seen have Delta Gold Cup on the starboard side of the slide. I've also seen GCs with Gold Cup National Match with the cup emblem (like Hunters). I have been told that the NM version was very rare. I haven't seen any mention of this variation in any text in books or the net. The Blue Book doesn't have it listed. There is definitely a difference in the roll marks, but most Colt collectors don't seem to realize that there are two versions. Do they have different Colt model numbers? Can anyone enlighten me on the NM version as far as rareity? Good luck Hunter. You may be sittin on a treasure.

[Hunter]

Welcome to the forum. I have heard the same as you have said that the actual rollmark of the Gold Cup National Match with the Trophy is harder to find. When I went looking for mine I had only heard of the Delta Gold Cup rollmark on the right side and when I found a place that had a DGCNM (for just over $900 in the original box and in great shape) I took the next day off to go check it out. Sure enough it was like new but when I flipped it over I was confused by the rollmark on the right side as exactly as my GCNMs in .45 ACP, still at the price I could not pass it up. I go to gunbroker right often and the one I see the most by far is the Delta Gold Cup but without the National Match rollmark. I have wondered that myself several times but never has sense enough to start a thread about it. Thanks

[fatguy]

I have been in the market for a Delta GC to add to my NM collection. I hadn't noticed the difference in the slide roll marks until I saw one up for auction on Gunbroker. The seller had a starting price of $2000. Obviously that got my attention. In his description he stated that Delta GCs with this roll mark were one of the rarest Colt pistols made. I have no reason to dispute this because I can't find any reference to an actual Delta National Match anywhere. The search for knowledge continues. Hunter, thanks for the welcome. Maybe we can solve this mystery and educate future collectors.

[Pursuit]

Which do you think is the rarest? The Gold Cup National Match with the Trophy on the side or the Delta Gold Cup. Seems the third post contradicts the first two. I'm confused. I've never seen a Delta Gold Cup.

[Joni Lynn]

I think you both need at least one of each.

[cliff731]

I seem to recall reading this- back in the good ole' days Colt made a National Match pistol before they ever made a Gold Cup. Wasn't there a thread about this in the past? Maybe I'm mistaken and confused about it anyway... someone told me I had "Oldzheimers"... :confused:

But I do know that Joni is right- you need one of each of 'em!!!

[Hunter]

Yes there was a National Match before the Gold Cups came out but these that are being compared are 10mm so all would be Gold Cup National Matches but the difference is the wording of the rollmark.
http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/history/nm.htm

[Pursuit]

I'm really not sure what to do with this. Just learning about 1911. After finding this GC at the in-laws it lead me to this site. I had to go buy a SA just so I'd have something to shoot. Show me a pic of a Delta GC. somebody.
http://www.stevehaley.com/content/public/gcnm.jpg

[fatguy]

There are apparently two different types of 10mm Delta Gold Cups. A model that has "Delta Gold Cup" on the slide and a model that has "Gold Cup National Match" on the slide. I read that the one with National Match was a very rare version. I am trying to find out If this true. It is not listed in any Colt catalogs or literature that I've seen. Pursuit, there are a few pics in past threads of Delta Gold Cups. Hunter has his Delta National Match (the possible rare version) pictured in past threads too. All are works of art.

[OD*]

Welcome to the forum, Fatguy. ;)

[paul45]

I read that the one with National Match was a very rare version.Can you give the name of the publication, so we can read that as well? I've not heard that story before......

[fatguy]

It wasn't in a publication. It was in another forum site several months ago. I wish someone would publish a nice hardback book with up to date manufacture information on all Colt models and variations. And lots of color photos!

[larry starling]

Colt has to change roll marks over time due to the fact the Dies ware out from use. There have been other examples of subtle changes. I have seen Delta's that say colts Government model and others that say Colt Government Model 10mm. I think that that could account for the difference in roll marks..... ;)

[paul45]

It wasn't in a publication. It was in another forum site several months ago. I wish someone would publish a nice hardback book with up to date manufacture information on all Colt models and variations. And lots of color photos!Well, I gotta say.....something is up....check this auction! http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=57118083

[larry starling]

Well, I gotta say.....something is up....check this auction! http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=57118083
Paul , I think this is an example of someone trying to prey on the uninformed! The sellers own discription says it all to me. 10MM Stainless Colt Delta Elite Gold Cup National Match, like new. One of the rarest Colt 1911 Model pistols made. Maybe your only chance to get this Colt Delta Gold Cup "National Match". . Thats just my thoughts on the subject. As of late it appears that most people are over paying 15-25% when they buy off the auction sites..... :nono:

[fatguy]

WOW!!! Do you think this is a case of a new collector believing the sales pitch? Thats exactly why I posted this thread, so we could cut through the speculation and get facts. I'm going to ask the seller why its so rare. I'll be back.

[larry starling]

WOW!!! Do you think this is a case of a new collector believing the sales pitch? Thats exactly why I posted this thread, so we could cut through the speculation and get facts. I'm going to ask the seller why its so rare. I'll be back.No I never assumed that. Let us know what the seller says.... ;)

[TheGerk]

I'm really not sure what to do with this. Just learning about 1911. After finding this GC at the in-laws it lead me to this site. I had to go buy a SA just so I'd have something to shoot. Show me a pic of a Delta GC. somebody.
http://www.stevehaley.com/content/public/gcnm.jpg
This is the DGC
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i160/thegerk/DeltaGoldCup2-1.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i160/thegerk/DGC1.jpg