Produced in 1912, this pistol features the spectacular, high polish, Colt commercial blue finish on the slide, barrel and frame, polished chamber and the fiery niter blue finish on the hammer, safety, slide stop, trigger and rear sight. The pistol has the early pattern, rounded, rear sight and short, wide spur, hammer, with "COLT AUTOMATIC/ CALIBRE 45" in two lines below the ejection port, the two line, two block address and patent markings on the reverse and the circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The top of the frame is stamped with the numeral "5" to the right of the disconnector hole and "S" directly behind it, and a Roman "S" is stamped on the rear of the slide above the firing pin hole. The underside of the barrel has a "N" stamped in front of the lug but is otherwise unmarked. The right side of the frame is marked with the designation "GOVERNMENT MODEL" in front of the trigger guard, "C138" on the opposite side of the frame and "V/P" on the left trigger guard bow. Grips are checkered hardwood, and the two-tone magazine is fitted with a lanyard ring.

Excellent, with 98% bright original Colt high polish commercial blue finish. Some very minor, barely visible, spots of pitting are visible near the ejection port, right front edge of the frame and around the rear sight, along with some light edge wear and streaks of gray and brown on top of the chamber. 90% of the bright original niter blue finish is remaining, fading slightly on the high edges. Grips are excellent, with mild dents on the sharp checkering. An exceptional example of a very early production Colt Government Model Automatic Pistol that would be difficult to improve upon. Mechanically excellent.