Manufactured in 1912, very early in production of the commercial Government Model. These pistols represented the cutting edge of firearms technology and were highly sought after by military personnel and civilians alike. This particular example exhibits the early production lustrous high polish blue finish and nitre blue small parts, as well as the serial number on the left of the frame as seen on only the first 2,250 Government Models and the "GOVERNMENT MODEL" marking on the forward right of the frame which was only seen until about serial numbers C4500-C5000. The slide on this pistol bears the two-line, two-block address and patent markings on the left side of the slide with the circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The right of the slide has the caliber markings. "VP" and "K" are on the trigger guard. The brush blued barrel is unmarked and is of the period. The hammer is a later production replacement. It is fitted with blade front and rounded top notch rear sights, a set of diamond pattern checkered grips, and a two-tone magazine with pinned base.

Fine, retains 50% of the original high polish blue finish and 30% of the original nitre blue on small parts with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina with a few scattered small patches of light surface pitting/spotting and light handling/takedown marks. The lanyard loop has been removed from the bottom of the mainspring housing. The grips are very good with moderate wear, a few minor handling marks, and mostly well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.