Manufactured in 1914, very early in production of the commercial production Government Model, this pistol represented the cutting edge of firearm technology and was one of the early pistols that established a reputation for striking power and a lineage of dependability that has carried the model through more than a century in military and civilian hands alike. With the outbreak of World War I, the Canadian government realized the potential of Colt's formidable semi-auto and ordered 5,000 of them, all of which were shipped between September and November of 1914. This specific pistol is listed as being in a shipment of 1,000 on 31 October 1914 through H.W. Brown of Quebec on p. 413 of "Colt .45 Service Pistols: Models of 1911 and 1911A1" by Clawson. These Canadian contract pistols either shipped through H.W. Brown or J. Wesley Allison of Waddington, New York. These pistols, like the Canadians who carried them, saw heavy action on the Western Front during The Great War, the Canadians themselves earning a reputation as "shock troops" among friends and foe alike. The slide bears the two-line, two-block address and patent markings on the left with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The right of the slide has the caliber markings. "VP" and "y" are on the left of the trigger guard. The Government Model marking is over the serial number on the right of the frame as well as an import marking partially obscured by the grip. There are "crown/V" proofs on the left of the slide and frame and on the chamber hood of the barrel. The front strap has the rack number "4418." Fitted with blade and round top notch rear sights, checkered wide hammer, checkered thumb safety and slide catch, the magazine catch, flat smooth mainspring housing, and the long smooth trigger. The blued barrel has a polished chamber and is marked "J" on the left of the lug. Fitted with a set of diamond pattern checkered grips and an unmarked two-tone magazine with lanyard loop base.

Very fine, retains 85% plus of the bright original commercial blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, primarily in the form of mild holster and handling type wear. The grips are also very fine with a few scattered light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.