This is just an exceptional, all original, WWI Model 1911 pistol that was manufactured for the U.S. Army by the Colt Manufacturing Company. This pistol is actually a very scarce example that was produced in early 1918, which retained the block style lettering and markings (without serifs), the old style Rampant Colt behind the slide serrations with the smaller, 3/32 inch tall "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY" markings, with the original Colt all blued (not Black Army) finish. This series of pistol was produced just before Colt switched to the late style larger slide markings, with the new "Black Army" finish. As noted it has the correct WWI Colt slide marked on the left side "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." over "HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.". The left side of the frame is marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" and it has the circled "JMG" proof of LTC J.M. Gilbert, the government inspector assigned to the Colt factory. The right side of the frame has the serial number of the pistol (242,212) behind the slide stop pin hole. It still has all the correct early WWI parts such as the Colt wide hammer with checkered spur, smooth flat mainspring housing, checkered slide stop and thumb safety, and it is fitted with the correct WWI mid-production Colt barrel that is marked with the separated "P" and "H" proofs on top of the chamber area of the barrel, with a capital letter "Y" on the side of the lug. It has the original WWI Colt diamond checkered walnut grips and is complete with one two-tone, lanyard loop magazine.

Excellent plus, with 98% plus of the original Colt brushed blue finish overall with a very minor wear spot on the mainspring housing. The grips are in excellent condition with exceptionally sharp checkering on both sides. An exceptional example of a scarce all blued early Colt Model 1911 pistol.