This is a very fine example of an exceptionally early Colt Government Model Semi-automatic pistol that was manufactured in late 1913. The pistol still retains most of the early production parts. The right side of the slide is marked: "COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE 45" in front of the ejection port. The left side of the slide has the two line, two block factory markings of "PATENTED APR.20.1897, over SEPT.9.1902. DEC.19.1905. FEB.14.1911" followed by "COLT'S PT.F.A.MFG.CO./HARTFORD.CT.U.S.A.". The uncircled Rampant Colt trademark is located behind the slide serrations. The right side of the frame is marked with "GOVERNMENT MODEL" in Roman letters (serifs) on the forward part of the frame, with the serial number, "C3053" stamped behind the slide stop pin hole. The left side of the trigger guard bow is stamped with a Colt "VP" Verified Proof mark and a single "Q" inspection mark, by the junction of the trigger guard and the frame. It still has the early commercial parts such as the round top rear sight and the narrow half-moon front sight, the early checkered thumb safety with thin thumb piece and the slide stop is the first pattern without the plunger groove, the short horned grip safety, and wide hammer spur and the flat main spring housing. It is fitted with an early Colt prewar commercial barrel that is single letter "P" on the top of the barrel hood, a single small letter "c" proof on the end of the barrel hood, the back side of the lug and the left side of the lug. It is fitted with the correct early diamond checkered walnut grips. It is complete with one very early original punch and saw-cut magazine that has the early lanyard loop on the base plate with the late 1913 indent on the upper right side of the feed lip.

Very fine with 60% plus of the original high polish blue finish with edge and high spot wear overall with a gray patina on the grip straps. The small parts retain 80% original niter blue. The grips are fine with nice distinct checkering on both sides showing even honest wear across the tops of the checkering. The markings are clear and sharp and it has all the correct, original early parts on this early Colt Government Model semi-automatic pistol.