This U.S. Contract Colt Model 1911 pistol was manufactured in early 1918 and shipped to the Springfield Armory as part of a 4,000 pistol lot on May 13, 1918. The pistol has the mid-1918 Colt "brush blue" finish that was utilized prior to adoption of the rough "Black Army" finish introduced at about serial number 312000. The slide has the new style recoil spring housing profile introduced about serial number 290000 and is roll-stamped with the larger, block style, "MODEL OF 1911.U.S.ARMY" marking introduced around serial number 260000. The pistol has the long hammer with rounded rear edge and bordered knurling and 1914 style safety lock with machine cut beneath the thumb-piece. The barrel has a brush blue finish and is stamped on the top of the chamber with the conjoined "HP" proof and inspection mark perpendicular to the axis of the bore. Barrels with this marking were used on Colt M1911 pistols in the 375000-710000 serial number range. The right side of the slide is roll-stamped with the Colt 1902-1913 patent dates in a two-line block followed by the Rampant Colt trademark and the Colt Hartford legend in a two-line block. The right side of the frame is roll-stamped with the serial number behind the slide stop hole. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped: "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" in front of the slide stop hole and stamped with "JMG" monogram of Ordnance Inspector Major John M. Gilbert above the magazine release. All of the markings utilize the block style lettering introduced in September 1917. The top of the frame is stamped with "G" production order mark below the disconnector hole. A block "H" provisional inspection mark is stamped on the frame in front of the disconnector hole and on the rear of the slide above the firing pin stop. The pistol is fitted with the standard WWI flat base, two-tone magazine with unmarked floorplate lip. The oil finished walnut stocks have diamond escutcheons around the grip screws and 15 rows of checkering between the diamonds.

Excellent. The pistol retains 95% plus of the original brush blue finish and shows only traces of storage and handling wear. The grips are also excellent. The magazine is excellent and retains 95% of the two-tone finish. This is an outstanding example of an early 1918 production Colt Model 1911 pistol manufactured prior to the adoption of the wartime expedient "Black Army" finish.