This is an extremely rare example of an original unaltered early Colt Model 1911 factory cut-away pistol. This specific pistol was probably cutaway or skeletonized in the factory as a tool room or engineering/production model and is probably a fairly early model as the markings all still have the serifs on the letters. It has the standard Colt markings that have been actually milled through on both sides to show the internal markings. The markings consist of the two line patents and address marking on the left side of the slide with the frame only marked with "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" on the left front edge. The right side of the slide is only marked with "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY" and it has no serial number, Government acceptance or inspection proofmarks anywhere. In total, there are 14 ports that have been sectioned or cut-away on the slide and frame to show the internal workings and mating surfaces of the various parts. In general, the left side shows the engagement surfaces of the hammer, sear, disconnector, rear section of the trigger bar grip safety, main spring housing and spring, the rear section of the barrel lug, the barrel bushing/slide engagement surfaces and recoil spring. The right side shows the disconnector and slide engagements area; again the sear, hammer and rear section of the trigger bar, rear of the barrel and extractor area, barrel lug and slide engagement surfaces, and front area of the barrel bushing and slide engagement area. It is fitted with a set of walnut grips with diamond patterns around the screws. It has the smooth trigger, wide hammer, flat mainspring housing, checkered slide stop and thumb safety. This exact pistol is pictured on page 481 in Scott Meadows book, "US Military Automatic Pistols Vol I."

Excellent overall, with approximately 95% of the original World War I Military Colt brush blued finish overall with blue loss on the front grip strap, the edges and high spots with the cut-away areas having been painted red. The grips are in very fine condition, showing even honest wear across the tops of the checkered diamonds with a couple of minor flat spots in some areas. A very nice original Colt cut-away Model 1911 pistol that is unquestionably original.