This is an example of the desirable Colt "Transitional" Model 1911 Pistols manufactured and delivered to the Army in 1924. The "Transitional" Model pistols are serial numbered between 700001 and 710000, having all the Model 1911A1 features although the right side of the slide is marked "MODEL OF 1911.U.S.ARMY". The transitional changes included: (1) modified main spring housing, (2) milled clearance on the sides of the receiver behind the trigger, (3) shortened hammer, (4) lengthened grip safety tang and (5) reduced trigger length. The diamonds on the stocks surrounding the screws were eliminated . The pistol features a brush blue finish. Although the "Transitional" pistols were delivered to the Army, Springfield Research Service records show large numbers of these pistols were actually issued to the Navy. This particular example was shipped to Springfield Armory on May 6, 1924 in an order of 1,000 pistols. (Where it went from there is unknown). The left side of the frame directly above the magazine release is stamped with the early placement "WTG" (Walter T. Gorton) monogram in a circle utilized on only the first approximately 100 pistols. The opposite side is marked: "UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 709111". The left side of the slide has the Colt 1897-1913 patent dates in a two-line block followed by the two-line Hartford address. The Rampant Colt motif is located between the patent dates and the address. The rear of the slide is marked with the "H" inspection mark above the firing pin stop. The top of the chamber is unmarked and the upper right side of the trigger guard is marked with a "20". The stocks are the full checkered walnut pattern introduced on the "Transitional" Model 1911 pistol. The sights are fixed low profile, the trigger, slide stop, thumb safety, hammer and main spring housing are checkered, the magazine is blue with the letter "G" marked on top of the toe and there is a lanyard ring on the heel.

Arsenal refurbished. The pistol retains approximately 70% of the arsenal dark blue finish with flaking on the bottom of the frame and the trigger guard, front strap, grip safety and back strap are mostly a smooth grayish patina. There is some scattered very minor pitting on the slide and frame. There is a spot of polishing and refinish present on the right rear of the slide, beginning with the serrations and approximately one inch forward to the ejector port. There are a few scattered minor scratches. The grips are good with some moderate wear, some minor dings and dents and crisp checkering. The markings remain crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent.