Colt shipped some Service Model Aces in the 70s or 80s. These were packed in two part Styrofoam package with printed wood grain sleeve cover.
Found this info:
In 1978 Colt returned the Ace Service Model to its line-up in an updated version with Gold Cup sights and cosmetics. These were made from 1978 to 1982, and serial numbered in the range of SM-14001 to SM-43830.
SM21909 is a 22 caliber ACE
SM36102 is 45ACP (box label verifies this serial number and caliber)
bekeart- there are also real late model aces made with 70- serial# too. then later made up aces with 70- numbers just to clean up the slides and parts they had left.
Cyrano,
You have an awesome collection, I love your posts!
According to Wilson in Colt, an American Legend, serial number SM 17,XXX dates to 1978. The Service Model Ace had a floating chamber and an "SM" prefix, while the true "Ace" was a blowback and had no prefix.
Unfortunately it's not mine; it belongs to a friend. It has the floating chamber, so it's a Service Model. I 'll look at it tomorrow and see if it's got a prefix.