This is an excellent example of the desirable Colt "Transitional" Model 1911 Pistols manufactured and delivered to the Army in 1924. The "Transition" Model pistols are serial numbered between 700001 and 710000, having all the Model 1911A1 features although the right side of the slide is marked "MODEL OF 1911.U.S.ARMY". The transitional changes included a modified main spring housing, milled clearance on the sides of the receiver behind the trigger, shortened hammer, lengthened grip safety tang and reduced trigger length. The diamonds on the grips surrounding the screws were eliminated. The pistol features a brush blue finish. Although the "Transitional" pistols were delivered to the Army, Springfield Research Service records show large numbers of these pistols were actually issued to the Navy. The left side of the frame directly below the slide stop is stamped with the early placement "WTG" (Walter T. Gorton) monogram in a circle utilized on only the first approximately 100 pistols. The opposite side is marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY/No 700005". The left side of the slide has the Colt 1897-1913 patent dates in a two line block, two line Hartford address with the Rampant Colt in the center. The rear of the slide is marked with the "H" inspection mark above the firing pin stop. The top of the chamber is marked with a conjoined "H", "P" and the upper right side of the trigger guard is marked with a "60". The grips are the full checked walnut pattern introduced on the "Transition" Model 1911 pistol. Low profile fixed sights, the trigger, slide stop, thumb safety, hammer and main spring housing are checkered, the magazine is two tone with a "B" stamped on the toe and there is a lanyard ring on the heel. The accompanying factory letter verifies the "Transition Model", caliber, barrel length, blue finish with the grips as "Not Listed" and that it was sold to the U.S. Government and shipped as 1 of 1,000 to Springfield Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts on February 13, 1924. Special features state "Furnished with a new style trigger, grip safety and mainspring housing." and the remarks state "Although these pistols are categorized in the Colt records as Model 1911 pistols, they are furnished with the Model 1911A1 improvements. The serial number range of these "Transition Model" pistols is 700,001 to 710,000."

Professionally refurbished, with 99% of the blue finish remaining showing a thin gray line on the lower right side of the slide, dents on the left upper front of the trigger guard, the beginnings of a gray patina along the edges and minor handling marks. The grips are very good, with some light scratches and overall crisp checkering. The markings are crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent