Manufactured in October 1918, this desirable example of a U.S. Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol has the distinctive blue-black "Black Army" finish. The "Black Army" finish was adopted by Colt in mid-1918 to expedite production, and other late production features on this pistol include: 1918 style safety lock with thick thumb piece, slide with second style recoil spring housing, model designation on the right side of the slide in 7/64-inch letters, un-finished heart-shaped grip openings in the frame, conjoined "H/P" proof and inspection marks on the barrel chamber and an "Eagle's head/s17" inspection stamp on the left side of the frame. "MODEL OF 1911.U.S.ARMY" is roll stamped on the right side of the slide, with the Rampant Colt flanked by the two-line 1897-1913 patent dates and two-line Hartford address on the left side of the slide. "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" is roll-stamped on the left side of the frame ahead of the trigger guard, with the serial number on the right side behind the slide stop hole. An "H" provisional inspection mark is stamped on the rear of the slide above the firing pin stop and on the top of the frame in front of the disconnector hole. The pistol is fitted with checkered walnut grips (right grip has very light checkering and partially cut-out diamond escutcheon surrounding the upper grip screw). Complete with a two-tone magazine and a WWI issued lanyard. Included is a reproduction cardboard carton.

Excellent. The pistol retains 98% original factory "Black Army" finish with some scattered flaking on the grip safety and the grip strap, along with some minor disassembly marks on the right side of the recoil spring housing. The barrel retains 95% original blue finish with some cycling wear on the chamber. The grips and grip screws have minimal wear. The partially cut checkering on the right grip is the result of factory production short-cuts. The magazine is excellent with 95% of the two-tone finish. All frame and slide markings are crisp. The lanyard and carton are excellent. This is an excellent original example of a late production U.S. Colt "Black Army" Model 1911 Automatic Pistol.