Active from August of 1938 to December of 1940, Major Charles S. Reed's tenure as Inspector covers a range of less than 6,000 pistols, most of which were subjected to the rigors of wartime use and post-WWII overhauls, leaving very few displaying the kind of finish seen on this 1940-produced example. Fixed sights, with the two-line, two-block address and patent dates divided by the Rampant Colt on the left side of the slide, "P" on top ahead of the rear sight, and the matching number is present on the rear of the slide around the firing pin hole. The "CSR" inspection mark is present on the left side of the frame and on top just behind the disconnector hole, with a short milled trigger, wide checkered hammer, arched checkered mainspring housing, non-ribbed Colt grips, two-tone "A" marked magazine and a Colt barrel.

Very fine, with 80% plus original blue finish, showing a brown and gray patina on the grip straps and underside of the frame, light edge wear, scattered spotting and minor handling marks. The correct "CSR" stamp on the side of the frame appears double-struck, and the rear sight has turned brown. The grips are excellent, with some minor dings. Mechanically excellent.