This Colt Government Model was manufactured in 1917. The right side of the slide is inscribed: "Capt. F.W. Parker, Adjutant/Milliken Regiment./from the/ Employees of the Portland Daily Press" in four lines below the ejection port. The pistol has the standard Colt high polish blue finish and checkered walnut stocks. The pistol has the short wide-spur hammer and flat top rear sight. The top of the half-moon front sight has been milled flat. The right side of the receiver is marked "GOVERNMENT MODEL above the serial number "C 88917". The left side of the trigger guard bow is stamped with Colt's "VP"/triangle verified proof. The right side of the slide has the standard "COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE 45" marking ahead of the ejection port. The opposite side has the 1897-1913 patent dates in a two-line block followed by the Hartford address in a second, two-line, block. The Rampant Colt motif is located behind the serrations on the left side of the slide. The 'two-tone' military magazine is not marked. The barrel is blued with a polished chamber and has a "P" proof mark stamped in front of the lug. The top of the receiver has the numeral "8" stamped to the right of the disconnector hole and "G" behind it. The Portland Daily Press was founded in 1862 as a Pro-Lincoln newspaper, and continues to operate as the Portland Press Herald, while the "Milliken Regiment" was the 103rd Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, American Expeditionary Force, comprised mostly of Maine residents and named for Carl Milliken, Governor of Maine 1917-1921.

Very fine. The pistol shows the moderate handling and holster wear expected of an officer's pistol. Approximately 70% of the slightly thin faded original blue finish remains intact. Most of the wear is concentrated on the top of the slide, the front of the grip and the main spring housing. The lower portions of both stocks show light to moderate handling wear. All markings are very crisp. The pistol appears to have been carried in the field but was well cared for and has not been altered or re-finished.