This is a desirable example of a British Contract Colt Government Model semi-automatic contract pistol with the "W" prefix serial number. At the start of WWI the British ordering office had a contract with Colt for a total of 2,200 Model 1911 pistol under two separate contracts with each pistol having the early Colt markings and high luster blue finish. This specific pistol is "1 of 200" delivered in the first month of delivery under the second contract, "94/P/118" that was shipped on 16 Sept 1916.The right side of the slide is marked "COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE .455" and the left slide has the early Colt two-line, two block patent/address slide markings with the Colt Rampant Horse behind the slide serrations with a small "Split Tail, Crossed-Pennant" British proof mark, directly above the Colt Horse. The frame is marked on the right side "GOVERNMENT MODEL" over the "W" prefix serial number and it has the "U" and "E", Colt provisional ordnance inspector mark and Colt factory production order mark respectively. The left side of the frame in front of the slide stop pin hole is a single "Broad Arrow proof" over the British "Split Tail, Crossed Pennant" proof mark. The front left side of the trigger guard bow, has a single "Crown/66/E" Enfield proof mark. Over the Colt "VP" Verified Proof. It has a replacement 45 ACP Colt commercial barrel with a partial small "W" and "P" proofs (indicating chambering for the Webley cartridge) with the non-factory polished chamber area (no proofs present). This fine example has the early checkered slide stop, the early type two checkered thumb safety with the flat mainspring housing, short grip safety, wide Colt hammer with the checkered spur and the checkered walnut grip panels. It has the correct British contract half-tone magazine with a lanyard loop on the bottom that is marked "CAL.455 ELEY".

Very fine with 97% of the original Colt prewar blued finish overall with just minor edge and high spot wear with a hint of minor thinning on the front grip strap and mainspring housing. The markings are clear and sharp. The walnut grips are also in very fine condition with nice distinct/sharp checkering with a couple of minor light wear spots on the lower right side grip. The barrel and right grip screws are replaced. A very nice example of a British issue Colt Government Model pistol that would take little to correct.