This is a very fine example of a late WWI U.S. Army contract Model 1911 pistol as manufactured by the Colt Firearms Company in late 1918. This pistol was correctly manufactured with the new late style block letter markings without serifs, but still has the Colt military brushed blue finish and not the late "Black Army" finish. The left side of the slide has the standard Colt factory two-line, two-block markings with the Rampant Colt behind the slide serrations. The right side is marked "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY". The left side of the frame is marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" and has the circled "JMG" proof of LTC J.M. Gilbert above the magazine release and the right side is stamped with the serial number "265897". The pistol still retains the correct original WWI parts such as the checkered Colt wide spur hammer, flat mainspring housing, checkered slide stop and thick Type III thumb safety. It is fitted with a WWI Colt barrel that is marked over the chamber area with the separated "H" and "P" proof marks with a single "C" proof on the right side of the lug with a number "5" on the underside of the barrel in front of the lug. This fine pistol still retains the original WWI Colt diamond pattern checkered walnut grips and is complete with one half-tone magazine.

Very fine with 85% plus of the original blue finish overall with edge and high spot wear with finish thinning/loss on the grip straps with minor light scratches on the left side of the frame above the trigger. The walnut grips are fine with nice distinct checkering on both sides and a couple of minor pressure dents. A fine example of a late WWI pistol.