This is an unbelievable example of a super early first year production Colt Government Model that was manufactured in 1912. These early Colt Government pistols in high end condition are nearly impossible to find, as they saw heavy use when first introduced. These early pistols were some of the best that Colt ever produced, as they had all hand fitted slides, frames and parts with the beautiful early Colt high polish commercial blue finish with niter blue small parts and fine checkered walnut grips. This example has all the early features, such as the early style Colt slide markings, narrow rounded half-moon front sight, rounded rear sight with the small round sight cut, thin checkered thumb safety with the sharp edge and milled undercuts, early short checkered slide stop release. Early Colt 1911 barrel that is only marked with a small "NT" Colt inspectors proof on the underside in front of the lug, and the early first style Colt serif serial number (C502) and "GOVERNMENT MODEL" markings on the sides of the frame. This beautiful Colt is complete with an early half-blued magazine with the lanyard loop on the underside of the double pinned baseplate. The right side of the slide is marked "COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE 45" the left side is marked "PATENTED APR.20, 1897/SEPT. 9, 1902/DEC.19, 1905. FEB.14, 1911" followed by "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A." with the Rampant Colt behind the slide serrations. The right side of the receiver is marked "GOVERNMENT MODEL / C502" in front of the slide stop pin hole. The left trigger guard bow is stamped with the Colt "VP / Triangle" proof mark and "K" is stamped on the lower left of the trigger guard. This fabulous example is one of the earliest Commercial Colt Government Model pistols we have had the opportunity to offer for sale.