Manufactured in 1945, this is an excellent example of a very scarce, John S. Begley inspected, U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 pistol. These pistols fall into some of the final shipments of Colt 1911A1 pistols sent out in the waning months of World War II, and it is estimated that only a few thousand bear Begley's rare "JSB" inspection marking. For a completionist collector of World War II Model 1911A1s, this is a difficult to find variation. The included factory letter confirms the configuration of the pistols, grips not listed, and that it was furnished with two extra magazines. It also lists shipment to the Springfield Ordnance Depot on 10 August 1945 in a shipment of 2,100 guns, a little less than a month before the Japanese surrender officially ended World War II. The left side of the slide is marked with the two-line, two-block patent dates and address with the Rampant Colt between them. The right side of the slide is correctly unmarked. The left side of the frame has the rare and desirable "JSB" inspectors mark and "P" proof next to the magazine release as well as on the top of the slide. The right side of the frame has the standard U.S. Property, Army, and model markings, along with the serial number and crossed cannons ordnance mark. The blued barrel is marked "COLT 45 AUTO" on the lower left and "P" on the left of the lug. It is fitted with blade and notch sights, serrated slide stop and arched mainspring housing, and a checkered magazine release, narrow hammer, and thumb safety. The grips are checkered with reinforced backs and the magazine is fully blued and marked "R".

Excellent plus, as issued, retains 99% of the original parkerized finish with a few very light handling/takedown marks and extremely light wear on the leading edges of the slide. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This is a rare variation of World War II production Colt Model 1911A1, which will be absent from some of even the most complete collections!