This is a good original example of a late WWI US Army contract M1911 Colt pistol. Records indicate that it was in a shipment of approximately 4000 pistols shipped to Springfield Armory in May 1918. It has the "New Block" style markings and the left side of the slide is marked "PATENTED APR. 20.1897. SEPT 9. 1902 / DEC. 19.1905 FEB. 14. 1911 AUG. 19. 1913","COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A." and the Rampant Colt in the middle. The right side of the slide is marked "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY". The left side of the frame, towards the front end, is marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" with a single "eagle head/S8" proof mark above the magazine release button. The right side of the frame is marked only with the serial number. The top of the frame is marked with a "G" and "H", government sub-inspector/contract proofs. The barrel is a WWII High Standard replacement that is marked with the "HS" proof on the side of the lug and it has the checkered slide stop, thumb safety, flat main spring housing with the lanyard loop on the bottom and short horn on the grip safety. It has the WWI Colt walnut diamond checkered grips and is complete with one Colt blued half-tone WWI magazine and a reproduction cardboard box.

Very good with approximately 20% of the original blue finish remaining mostly in the protected areas with the balance of gun having a gray patina. The grips are in good condition showing nice even honest wear on both sides.