Manufactured in 1917, around the time of the United States' entry into World War I. The Model 1911, and its Government Model civilian counterpart, represented the cutting edge of self loading pistol technology at the time and were highly sought after by both military personnel and civilians alike, with many Government Models being privately purchased for use during the war leading to their unofficial nickname as "commercial issue" pistols. The included factory letter confirms the pistol's configuration, including caliber, barrel length, blue finish, and type of stock not listed, when included in a shipment of 10 to Van Camp Hardware & Iron Co. of Indianapolis, Indiana, on July 20, 1917. Features fixed round blade front and square notch rear sights, "5" marked on the underside of the blued barrel with polished chamber hood, flat mainspring housing with lanyard loop at the bottom, and checkered slide release, thumb safety, and wide hammer. The slide bears the two-line, two-block Colt address and patent markings on the left side, with the "rampant colt" behind the serrations and caliber designation on the right. The frame is marked with "VP" and "2" on the left of the trigger guard, with "GOVERNMENT MODEL" and serial number on the right side. Fitted with a pair of diamond pattern checkered walnut grips. The two-toned magazine has a pinned base with a lanyard loop. Includes the Colt factory box with matching numbered dealer label, manual and bore brush.

Excellent, retaining 97% plus original blue finish with some light edge wear and some mild thinning and limited spotting on the grip straps. The grips are also excellent with limited blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Box is fine with light handling wear.