This is an attractive example of an extremely rare and probably one of a kind, original Colt Government Military Model 1911 that was produced with a duplicate military serial number that was Colt factory converted into a "Government Model" by stamping the "C" prefix in the serial number and then fully factory engraving the pistol. This super rare Colt is accompanied and verified by a Colt factory letter that is was an actual duplicate serial number that was factory engraved and shipped to Dykes H. and F. Co in March 1919. The factory letter states that it was shipped with the ivory grips, was factory engraved and was blued at the time of shipment, (however it currently has a "nickel plated" finish).The engraving pattern is a nice blend of larger scroll and vine engraving with a punch dot back ground with geometric borders around the various markings on the slide and frame. The slide has the two-line, two-block Colt patent and address markings that ends in 1913, with the Colt Rampant Horse logo in between the two blocks. The right side is marked with: "COLT/AUTOMATIC CALIBRE .45". The frame is correctly marked on the right side "GOVERNMENT MODEL" over the "C" prefix serial number "202741", both of which are noted in the Colt factory letter. The top of the frame has the single letter "S" Colt inspector's commercial proof, along with the Colt "VP" (Verified Proof) inside the small triangle on the left side of the trigger guard bow. The barrel is a correct pre-war commercial model that is marked with only a single "P" proof on the underside in front of the lug. The pistol has features such as the early style checkered slide stop, type two checkered thumb safety and flat smooth mainspring housing, short grip safety, and wide Colt hammer with the checkered spur. It is fitted with a set of smooth ivory grips with a large intertwined initials: "RB" inset into the right grip. The initials appear to be those as produced by a jeweler as the "R" is made from a gold material while the "B" is made form silver. This rare pistol includes an original WWI production military magazine with the double pinned base with the lanyard loop on the underside of the base.

Very fine as period replated with 85% of the nickel plated finish overall with some minor flaking of the nickel in various areas mixed with some wear on the grip straps, barrel and internal parts from use and shooting. The fine ivory grips are original to the gun and have a old, aged yellow look with some minor age cracking on the lower edges. The large monogram initials on the right side is clear and distinct but shows wear across the top. Mechanically excellent. A very unique and certainly one of a kind Colt factory engraved, Military/Commercial M1911 pistol.