Colt Army Contract Model 1911 Semi-automatic pistol manufactured in 1924. This pistol was one of 1000 Model 1911 pistols shipped from Colt to the Springfield Armory on March 10, 1924. On June 12, 1923 the Army awarded a contract to colt for the manufacture of 10,000 "Improved Automatic Pistols, Caliber .45, Model of 1911". These pistols had a number of significant modifications from the WWI production Model 1911 pistols. These modifications included: (1) extended grip safety tang, (2) short trigger with knurled face, (3) finger clearance cuts on the sides of the receiver behind the trigger, (4) knurled and raised mainspring housing and (5) wider front sight blade. In addition to these changes, the diamond-shaped panels around the screw holes on the grips were eliminated and the slide stop was slightly modified. These improvements led to the re-designation of the Model 1911 pistol as Model 1911A1 in 1926. This pistol has a military 'brush blue' finish with full checkered, oiled walnut stocks and a two-tone, flat base, magazine. The right side of the receiver roll-stamped: "UNITED STATES PROPERTY/No 703158" in two lines behind the slide stop hole. The right side of the slide is roll-stamped: "MODEL OF 1911.U.S. ARMY". The left side of the receiver is stamped with the monogram initials "WTG" in a double circle (the double circle was adopted around serial number 702000).The left side of the slide is roll-stamped with the Colt 1897-1913 patent dates in a two-line block followed by the Rampant Colt trademark and "COLT'S PT.F.A.MFG.CO./HARTFORD,CT.U.S.A." in two lines. The top of the receiver is stamped with a serifed "H" provisional inspection mark in front of the disconnector hole and a "G" to the right of the hole. A serifed "H" is stamped on the rear of the slide above the firing pin stop. The barrel has a brush blue finish. The top of the chamber is stamped with linked "HP" proof/inspection marks. A small "G" is stamped on the underside of the barrel ahead of the lug.

Professionally restored to near mint condition and the brush blue finish shows virtually no wear. The white, highlighted, markings are crisp. The grips appear to be modern replacements and are in nearly new condition. The barrel lacks the large "K" normally stamped on the underside of the barrel on most Transition Model pistols. The two tone magazine has been professional restored to new condition. This is a good looking example of a hard-to-find Colt Transitional Model 1911 Semi-automatic pistol.