Manufactured in 1914. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration (grips not listed) as well as shipment to the commanding officer at Benicia Arsenal in California on 10 September 1914. Many of these early Model 1911 pistols saw hard use through World War I, making an exceptionally fine example like this scarce. The left of the slide is marked with the two-line, two-block patent dates and address with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations, while the right has the standard "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY" marking. The left of the frame has the U.S. property marking and "WGP" inspection mark and the serial number is on the right. The correct full blued barrel is marked "J" on the left of the lug and "P H" on the chamber hood. Fitted with blade and notch sights, wide checkered hammer, long smooth trigger, short grip safety, diamond pattern checkered grips, and an original unmarked two-tone magazine with a lanyard loop base.

Excellent, retains 95% plus of the bright original blue finish with some slight thinning on the front strap and mainspring housing showing a smooth grey patina and a few scattered light handling marks. The grips are also excellent with a few scattered light handling marks and otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. As far as early production U.S. Colt Model 1911s go, it would be difficult to find a much better example than this!