This is an example of a U.S. Contract Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol that was shipped from Colt to the Springfield Armory as part of a lot of 3,800 pistols on February 26, 1918. The pistol has the Colt wartime "brush blue" finish with checkered, oil-finished, walnut stocks and a flat base, two-tone magazine. The markings on the slide and frame use the Gothic block letters adopted in September 1917. The pistol has a long hammer with rounded rear edge, 1914 Style safety lock and "Old-style" mainspring housing. The right side of the frame is roll-stamped with the serial number, "No243949" behind the slide stop hole. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" ahead of the trigger guard bow and the round, "JMG" monogram of Ordnance Inspector Maj. John M. Gilbert. The top of the frame is stamped with an "H" provisional inspection mark in front of the disconnector hole, a "G" government order mark behind the hole and a "V" assembler's mark to the right of the hole. The right side of the slide is roll-stamped "MODEL OF 1911.U.S.ARMY" in one line ahead of the ejection port. The left side of the slide is roll-stamped with the Colt 1902-1913 patent dates in a two-line block followed by the Colt Hartford address in a two-line block. The Rampant Colt trademark is roll-stamped on the left side of the slide behind the grip serrations. The rear of the frame is stamped with an "H" provisional inspection mark above the firing pin stop. The barrel is blued and has a "P" proofmark and "H" provisional inspection mark stamped on the top of the chamber perpendicular to the axis of the bore.

Excellent plus, in as issued condition. The pistol retains 98% plus of the original brush blue finish. The handling marks are limited to several very faint takedown marks on the left side of the frame below the slide stop and several tiny scratches on the lower grip strap. The barrel chamber has light cycling marks but retains 95% of the original blue finish. All of the markings on the barrel and frame are crisp. The walnut stocks are in near new condition with no oil stains, sharp checkering and perfect grip screws. The magazine retains about 95% of original two-tone finish. This is an outstanding example of a WWI production U.S. Colt Model 1911 Army Semi-Automatic Pistol in nearly new condition. It would be nearly impossible to improve upon the condition of this outstanding pistol.