This is an exceptional example of a late production "U.S. Army" contract Colt Model 1911 pistol that was manufactured in late 1918. This example has the late desirable "Black Army" finish that was adopted by Colt in May 1918 in an effort to increase production over the previous blue type finish. 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 thumb piece. The barrel is correctly stamped with the conjoined, "HP" proof marks on top of the chamber area, that has a small number "5" on the underside of the barrel with a capital letter "D" on the right side of the barrel lug. 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 left side of the frame is stamped "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" and has the "Eagle Head/S14" final inspection used by the Army Ordnance Inspector. 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 right side of the frame is stamped with the serial number "No 459603" behind the slide stop hole.

Excellent overall with 97% plus of the original dark blue finish with minor high spot wear on the front edges of the slide and the front grip strap. The grips are excellent showing nice sharp checkering on both sides with minimal handling marks. An exceptional example of desirable 1918 production Colt Model 1911 "Black Army" 45 ACP pistol.