This Colt Government Model .45 Semi-Automatic National Match pistol was manufactured in 1932. Colt introduced the Government Model National Match .45 Semi-Automatic in 1932. Colt advertisements stated that the National Match pistols featured: "a tighter barrel, better sights and a hand-polished action". National Match pistols were fitted with a "Selected Match Grade" barrel. In addition to the special National Match features, this pistol has the standard high polish, commercial blue finish, polished barrel chamber, checkered walnut grips and a two-tone, flat base, magazine. The pistol has the thick, half-moon, target front sight. The main spring housing is not fitted with a lanyard loop. The right side of the slide is roll-stamped with the distinctive markings: "NATIONAL MATCH COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE.45" followed by the Rampant Colt trademark. The left side of the slide is roll-stamped with the elongated, two-line, Hartford address and 1897-1913 patent dates. The right side of the slide is marked: "GOVERNMENT MODEL" above the serial number "C163566". A Colt inspection mark "20" is stamped on the right side of the trigger guard bow. The left side of the trigger guard bow is stamped with a "W" assembler's mark above the Colt triangle "V/P" proofmark. The top of the frame is stamped with "R" and "T" to the right of the disconnector hole. The rear face of the slide is stamped with the serial number: "163/566" above and below the firing pin hole. The left side of the barrel lug is stamped with the encircled letters "MB" that denote a "Selected Match Grade" barrel. The pistol is complete with an aluminum, velvet lined, fitted case with five compartments and a wooden cartridge block.

Very fine. The pistol retains 90% of the original, high polish, commercial blue finish. There is holster wear on the muzzle end of the slide and the forward edge of the frame and edge wear on the high points of the slide. There is moderate finish wear on the grip strap and some edge wear on the back strap below the mainspring housing. The replacement earlier production grips are in fine condition with some light handling wear. The magazine has about 90% of the original two-tine finish. This is a very fine example of a scarce and desirable first year production Colt Government Model National Match pistol.