This excellent U.S. Colt Model 1911 Automatic Pistol was manufactured in 1917. The pistol is complete with a Colt factory letter stating it was one of a lot of 200 Model 1911 pistols shipped from Colt to the Rock Island Arsenal on May 23, 1917. The pistol is complete with a holster rig that includes: (1) a Model 1912 Swivel Holster with leg strap, (2) Mills pistol belt, (3) first aid pouch with bandage and (3) Mills magazine pouch with two lanyard loop magazines. The pistol has the pre-WWI military blue finish, checkered, oil-finished walnut stocks and two-tone, lanyard loop magazine. The markings on the slide and receiver have the Roman style letters (serifed) used until September 1917. The hammer is the long style with rounded rear edge and the safety lock is the 1914 style with a machine cut under the thumbpiece. The barrel is blued and the top of the chamber is stamped with an "H: provisional acceptance mark followed by a "P" proofmark parallel to the axis of the bore. The receiver is stamped with an "H" in front of the disconnector hole, a "G" production order mark is stamped behind the disconnector hole and a "V" assembler's mark is stamped to the right of the hole. An "H" provisional inspection mark is stamped on the rear of the slide above the firing pin hole. The serial number, "No152166" is stamped on the right side of the frame behind the slide stop hole. "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" is roll-stamped on the left side of the receiver ahead of the trigger guard. The circular "GHS" final inspection monogram of Maj. Gilbert H. Stewart is stamped above the magazine release. The right side of the slide is roll-stamped: "MODEL OF 1911.U.S.ARMY". The left side of the slide is roll-stamped with the Colt 1897-1913 patent dates in a two-lien block followed by the Colt Hartford address in two lines. The Rampant Colt trade mark is stamped behind the grip serrations on the left side of the slide. The initials "REC" are neatly stamped in Roman letters above the screw on the lower diamond of the left stock. The russet leather Model 1912 Swivel Holster is embossed with "US" in an oval on the holster flap. "ROCK ISLAND/ARSENAL/1914/H.E.K." is stamped on the back of the holster. The initials "L.M.F" are neatly carved below the arsenal marking. The pistol belt has the early blued fittings and is marked with the Mills bullet trademark and dated "JULY 1917". The Mills magazine pouch is dated "JUNE 1917". "23 C.S./49" is stenciled on the flap of the first aid pouch. The inside of the flap is stenciled with the maker's name: "P.B.& CO, 1918".

Near new. The pistol has all of the original components and retains 99% of the original military blue finish. Wear is limited to some very minor storage marks on the sides of the slide and some light cycling marks on the barrel chamber. The stocks are in the same condition as the pistol with very sharp checkering. The markings on the slide and receiver are crisp. The magazine is in excellent condition with about 95% of the original two-tone finish. The holster is excellent condition. The medium brown leather is smooth and very fine. The U.S. marking on the flap is strong and the Rock Island Arsenal markings on the back of the holster are fully legible. The holster has the original tie-down strap with blackened buckle. The pistol belt and magazine pouch are both in fine condition with exception of the lanyard loops sticking through flap and light service wear. The spare, lanyard loop, magazines have about 85% of the original two-tone finish. The first aid pouch is in good condition but has a small tear in one corner of the flap. This is an exceptional example of a early 1917 production Colt Model 1911 pistol with excellent Model 1912 Holster rig.