This is a beautiful example of an unaltered almost new condition late WWI U.S. Army contract Model 1911 pistol, as manufactured by the Colt firearms company in late 1918. This pistol was manufactured in the last block of serial numbers at the very end of WWI. Although this pistol is in the last block of serial numbers it is in a unique subset of pistols that has the new late style "block letter" markings (vs. the earlier serifs letters) but still retains the earlier Colt military brushed blue finish and has not transitioned to the late "Black Army" finish that became standard for all future pistols. 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 "240510" of the pistol. The pistol still retains the correct original WWI parts such as the checkered Colt wide spur hammer, flat main spring 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" proofmarks and a single number "5" on the underside in front of the lug with a capital "N" on the right side. This beautiful pistol still retains the original WWI Colt diamond pattern checkered walnut grips and is complete with one half-tone magazine.

Excellent plus, with 98% plus of the original factory brushed blue finish overall with just a hint of thinning on the front grip strap. The walnut grips are both excellent with sharp distinct checkering and an indentation mark around the top grip screw on the left side. This is truly a superb like new condition Model 1911 pistol that any collector would be proud to have in his collection.