Originally produced by Colt in 1944, this pistol frame was subsequently selected for upgrade to a National Match competition-grade pistol which was carried out at Springfield Armory in 1964. Only 800 pistols were upgraded to the National Match configuration that year, all of which were fitted with the Drake Mfg. Corp. slides, which were specially machined and hardened. Of these 800 pistols, only 195 would later be sold commercially through the Director of Civilian Marksmanship, making this National Match variation comparatively scarce. It is fitted with a serrated Patridge blade front sight and Triangle adjustable rear sight on the Drake Mfg. Corp. slide marked "NM7791435", "7267718/NM" bushing, and "NM 7790313" barrel (numbered to the frame), and a "GHD" frame with "T", "SA", "P", "RIA", and "NM" stamps. Equipped with a long serrated adjustable trigger, checkered wide hammer, checkered front strap, arched checkered mainspring housing, checkered grips, and an unmarked parkerized magazine. Provenance: The Gus Cargile Collection