The pistol has a polish blue finish on the flat portions with a matte finish on the remainder. The right side of the slide is marked with the one line address with the serial number on the frame. The left side of the slide is marked with the standard "GOVERNMENT / * MODEL* / COLT / AUTOMATIC / CALIBER .45" marking followed by the "Rampant Colt". The top of the slide is inscribed with "SECOND LIEUTENANT JOHN D. CARLTON,/ 071434, USMC/ BASIC SCHOOL HONOR GRADUATE/ 1956". An internet search revealed a Marine by that name as having won the Silver Star in the Vietnam War. More research needed. Fitted with checkered plastic grips with "Rampant Colt" markings on each. Research needs to be done on this pistol. Writer has no factory letter, but believes it has a good chance of being factory inscribed.

Excellent plus 99% overall. The pistol shows only very light handling marks overall. Mechanically excellent.