This is an exceptional example of an all original, WWI Model 1911 pistol that was manufactured by the Colt Manufacturing Company. This pistol is actually a very scarce example that was produced in early Feb/March 1918, which retained the block style lettering and markings (without serifs), the old style Rampant Colt behind the slide legend with the smaller, 3/32 inch tall "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY" and old style recoil spring housing cutout, which also retains the original Colt blued parts. This series of pistol actually falls into a short production run subset, as shortly after this serial number range Colt switched to the late style larger slide markings, with the Rampant Colt between the markings, a new recoil spring housing cutout and with the new "Black Army" finish. As noted it has the correct WWI Colt slide marked on the left side "PATENTED APR. 20.1897. SEPT.9.1902, DEC. 19. 1905. FEB.14.1911. AUG 19.1913" followed by "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO." over "HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." with the Rampant Colt behind the slide serrations. The left side of the frame is marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" and it has the circled "JMG" proof of LTC J.M. Gilbert, the government inspector assigned to the Colt factory. The right side of the frame has the serial number of the pistol (251411) behind the slide stop pin hole. It still has all the correct early WWI parts such as the Colt wide hammer with checkered spur, smooth flat mainspring housing, checkered slide stop and thumb safety, and it is fitted with the correct WWI mid-production Colt barrel that is marked with the separated "P" and "H" proofs on top of the chamber area of the barrel. It has the original WWI Colt diamond checkered walnut grips and is complete with one bi-tone magazine.

Exceptional, excellent, all original condition with 98% plus of the original blued finish overall, with only very minor edge wear in a couple of places with just a hint of very minor thinning on the top front portion of the slide and the rear of the barrel from cycling the action. The walnut grips are also in excellent plus condition with nice sharp, distinct, and unaltered checkering on both sides and only a small compression dent on the lower left hand grip. Mechanically excellent. Truly an exceptional, high condition U.S. Colt WWI Model 1911 Army contract pistol.