Lot 1498

Factory Cutaway Prototype Colt Government Model Pistol

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Factory Cutaway Prototype Colt Government Model Pistol

Estimate: $2,500 - $4,000

Starting Bid: $2,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Documented Factory Cutaway Prototype Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol Serial Number X3 Manufactured c. the late 1970s to 1980s, this is a rare documented Colt factory cutaway prototype Government Model pistol with experimental serial number "X3". The included photocopy of a factory letter with this pistol lists the X3 serial number, .45 ACP caliber, matte blue finish, and checkered walnut grips with gold plated Rampant Colt medallions. The letter continues with the special features noted as "Cutaway on right side of slide with attached white TAG0003 and attached yellow tag documenting important firing pin safety special feature, no plate in receiver, wide upper lever, and optional wide grip safety. Furnished without slide or frame markings, except frame with early experimental prototype serial number X3. No sights." Lastly, the letter notes that this pistol was an experimental prototype and sample cutaway demonstrator pistol kept by the Colt factory until it was sold in 2008. As noted in the letter, the only visible marking on the frame is "X3" on the right, while the barrel has the typical Mk. IV Series 70 markings on the chamber hood. There are two cutaway windows on the right rear of the slide showing the workings of the experimental firing pin safety. It is also fitted with the wider than standard spur on the grip safety as mentioned in the letter, with the added material being unfinished and visible. Overall the pistol shows roughly polished metal and matte blue finish. It is fitted with a pair of checkered walnut grips with gold plated Colt medallions and an unmarked full-blue magazine.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Government

BBL: 5 inch round

Gauge: 45 ACP

Finish: matte blue

Grips: walnut

Serial NumberX3

Class: Modern Handgun

  • Provenance: Colt Archives; The Gus Cargile Collection
  • Condition: Excellent, 98% of the original matte blue finish with some very light edge wear, the added material on the grip safety spur unfinished and showing a grey patina, faint white speckling on the right rear of the slide and frame, and some light oxidation in the grooves of the mainspring housing and on the right of the frame near the takedown pin. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically functions as a factory cutaway prototype.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000