This pistol falls within a large block of Colt Government Model pistols shipped to the British Ministry of Shipping in late-1918 to early-1919, just prior to or right after the conclusion of World War I. Many of these pistols, like this example, were initially issued to Royal Air Force personnel before many were reissued in 1942 to Royal Navy sea/air rescue units. The left side of the slide has the Rampant Colt between the patent dates and Colt address, each in two lines, while the right is marked with the .455 caliber marking. The right of the frame has the Government Model marking over the "W" prefix serial number. British military proofs are visible on multiple parts, as well as "R.A.F." and a "broad arrow" on the left of the frame. The proofed replacement .45 ACP barrel is marked "E" on the bottom. The pistol is fitted with fixed blade and notch sights, diamond pattern checkered walnut grips, and a two-tone magazine with "CAL.455/ELEY" and a lanyard ring on the base. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Fine, retains 70% original high polish blue finish with edge wear, scattered scratches, freckling, and defined markings. Grips are also fine with a few light nicks in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.