This is an example of a Colt Model 1911 manufactured in late 1918 that was part of a shipment of 20,000 pistols from Colt to the Ordnance Depot in Bush Terminal, Brooklyn. The pistol has the dull "black finish" adopted by Colt in May 1918 in an effort to increase production. The recoil spring housing on the slide is the late pattern adopted about serial number 290,000 and the frame has the heart-shaped grip opening found on late production Model 1911 pistols. The thumb safety is the correct mid-1918 style with smooth contour under the thick thumbpiece. The barrel is correctly stamped with the conjoined, "HP" proof marks on top of the chamber area. The left side of the slide is roll-stamped with the two-line, two-block Colt patent dates with the Rampant Colt trade mark/logo in-between the two blocks. The right side of the slide is marked "MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY" in the larger 7/64 inch letters adopted around serial number 260,000. The left side of the frame is stamped "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" and has the "Eagle Head/4" final inspection used by the Army Ordnance Inspector. The right side of the frame is stamped with the serial number "No 474970" behind the slide stop hole. The top of the frame is stamped with a "G" behind the disconnector hole which indicates the pistol was manufactured by Colt for a government contract. All of the markings use the Gothic (block) style lettering. The pistol is fitted with the correct two-tone magazine with flat floor plate. The number "5", possible a rack number, is stamped above the upper stock screw on the left grip. This lot also includes a complete holster, web belt and magazine pouch rig. This rig consists of an original 1918 dated US marked leather holster. The back is marked, "WARREN LEATHER/ GOODS CO./ 1918/J.A.Q.". An original WWI light olive drab web belt. The belt is marked, "LCC & CO./OCT. 1918" with an original WWI, double magazine pouch that is marked on the inside of the flap, "F.S.F./1810/8-1918", that include two original half-tone WWI magazines, with an original light olive drab lanyard.

Excellent, with 95% plus of the original dull-blue/black finish, showing only minor wear on the edges and high spots with some general thinning on the front grip strap and mainspring housing with actual blue loss on the forward edges of the slide and frame. The chamber area of the barrel shows about 90% of the original dull blued finish with minor wear on the front and rear edges from cycling the action. All the markings are clear and sharp. The magazine is in excellent condition. The grips are in very fine condition with light handling wear on the checkering. The WWI holster is in very good condition overall with nice clear sharp markings, with minor scuffs and scratches overall with nice tight stitching. The web belt and magazine pouch are both in excellent condition, showing only minor wear. The two spare magazines are also in excellent condition with 98% of the original half-tone blue finish remaining. This is an excellent example of an all original late production Colt Model 1911"Black Army" rig.