Manufactured in the early part of 1917, this is a very nice example of an early to mid WWI U.S. Army contract Model 1911 pistol as produced by Colt. In this serial number range only 33,000 Model 1911s were produced. The pistol still retains the WWI military blue finish and has the serif letter markings on the slide and frame. The left side of the slide has the two-line, two-block markings ("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./HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A."), with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations. "MODEL OF 1911.U.S. ARMY" is marked on the right side of the slide with the left side of the frame marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY", along with the circled "GHS" inspector proof of Gilbert H. Stewart, the US Ordnance inspector above the magazine release. It has the correct blue Colt WWI barrel marked with small "P" and "H" proofs at the chamber, the late WWI checkered thumb safety, smooth trigger, checkered slide stop and wide spur hammer, and flat mainspring housing. Fitted with checkered walnut grips. The pistol has a two-tone unmarked magazine without the lanyard ring on the base plate.

Excellent. The pistol retains 97% original wartime blue finish showing light edge and high spot wear with some more thinning and browning on the front grip strap and the left front edge of the frame. The grips are very fine with noticeable wear on the right lower edge of the grip from rubbing on a holster. The grips have nice sharp checkering. Overall a very nice all original example of a WWI Colt contract U.S. Model 1911 pistol.