This excellent example of a U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 Pistol that was manufactured in 1940 this is one of U.S. Model 1911A1 Colt pistols inspected by Major Charles S. Reed, during the period from August 1938 to Dec.1940. These early prewar pistols are extremely rare and difficult to obtain as very few were actually produced, with all of them seeing high use during WWII with most being subsequently rebuilt in the post war years. This pistol has the original pre-WWII brush blue finish that was fitted with the early pattern checkered walnut grips without the reinforcing rings and large diamond pattern on the sides. The left side of the slide has the Colt two line patent address markings of; "PATENTED APR. 20, 1897. SEPT. 9, 1902 COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO." over "DEC.19,1905. FEB.14, 1911. AUG .19, 913 HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A." with the Rampant Colt in the middle. The left side of the trigger guard bow is stamped with a small "T" over the Colt "VP/Triangle" proofmark, with the initials "CSR" for Major Charles S. Reed, the U.S. ordnance inspector, stamped below the slide stop release. There is also a single "P" proof mark below the magazine release button. The right side of the frame is roll-stamped: "UNITED STATES PROPERTY/No 728101" behind the slide stop hole, with "M1911A1 U.S.ARMY" ahead of it. A single "P" proofmark is stamped on the top of the slide ahead of the rear sight. The matching pistol serial number (728101) is stamped on the rear face of the slide above and below the firing pin hole. This excellent pistol is fitted with an original blued barrel that is marked with a single "P" proof on the left side of the lug, a capital letter "G" infront of the lug, and is also marked on the lower left side of the chamber: "COLT 45 AUTO". The pistol has the correct early WWII pattern long grip safety, wide spur checkered hammer, milled trigger with checkered main-spring housing, safety lock and slide stop. This pistol is complete with a black M3, "ENGER-KRESS" shoulder holster and strap, a current triple-K double magazine pouch with three original GI issue magazines, one all blued for the pistol and two-wartime manufacture, marked with a L and R on the lip.

Excellent with 95% plus of the original blued finish overall with just a hint of thinning on the front grip strap, with blue loss on the very front edges of the slide, and lower front sides of the frame extensions. The markings are clear and sharp. The replacement earlier production walnut grips are in very fine, original condition with nice distinct checkering on both sides, with some minor handling marks with some slight wear on the lower edges of both grips. The holster is in very fine condition with tight stitching overall, with a nice even black color. The extra magazines and magazine pouch are all in very good condition. A nice original early WWII Colt M1911A1 Transitional Pistol with extras.