One of approximately 51,000 Colt Government Model pistols ordered by the Imperial Russian government in 1916 and 1917, before the outbreak of revolution and abdication of the Tsar. By 1916, the situation on the Eastern Front was already getting well out of hand for Russia, and 1917 saw both the February and October Revolutions, which brought about both the fall of the Imperial government and the successor Provisional Government. This ultimately led to the rise of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), more commonly called the Soviet Union, which remained in control for most of the remainder of the 20th century. Additionally, some reports of the final assassination of Tsar Nicholas II and his family include a pair of Colt .45 ACP pistols among the weapons used by the Bolshevik Party. In particular, one used by Yakov Yurovsky, leader of the squad, is noted as having fired the opening shot directly into the Tsar's chest. The included factory letter confirms the pistol's configuration, with a five inch barrel chambered in .45 caliber, blue finish, and type of grips not listed, when included in a 2,000 pistol shipment sent to the government of Russia on December 5, 1916. When placing the order, the government of Great Britain acted as an intermediary, using a line of credit established by the Russians and backed by hard gold reserves held in Britain to cover the bill. Britain's role as go-between was the source of the typical "ANGL. ZAKAZIE" marking found on the left side of the frame, which translates to "English Order". Features fixed oval blade front and flat top notch rear sights on top of the slide marked with the two-line, two-block address and patent dates, caliber marking on the right of the slide, barrel with bright chamber hood, marked "COLT 45 AUTO" on the left, "P" on the lug, and "F" on the underside, long smooth trigger, wide checkered hammer, short grip safety, and smooth mainspring housing with lanyard loop. The left side of the frame has the English contract marking as mentioned along with "triangle/VP" and "8" on the trigger guard, and the model marking and serial number is on the right side. British "crown" proofs are also marked on the right rear sections of the slide and frame. Fitted with diamond pattern checkered grips and an unmarked two-tone magazine with lanyard loop base. Includes a cardboard storage box. Imperial Russian contract Colt Government Model pistols are very hard to find on the United States collector's market today in any condition, as they saw hard, extended use through multiple conflicts and virtually none were ever exported out of the Soviet Union, making them a highlight addition to any advanced Colt or Russian themed collection. Provenance: The Estate Collection of Charles Wagner

Fine, retaining nearly 60% plus original blue finish with light holster-pattern edge and high-point wear, thinning on the grip straps reveling mostly brown patina, light freckling, minor spotting with some pitting focused mostly on the slide, and mild handling wear as expected from such a well-traveled pistol. The moderately worn checkered grips are good with slight warpage, on the right panel. Mechanically fine.