This is an excellent example of a early WWI Colt Model 1911 pistol manufactured in 1913 and it is one of the 1,000 pistols shipped to the Commander of Rock Island Arsenal in May 1913. The left side of the frame has the circled "WGP" proof of the U.S. Ordnance inspector Major Walter G. Penfield with "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" stamped on the front edge of the frame extension. The left side has the two line, two block markings of "PATENTED APR.20,1897/SEPT.9, 1902. DEC.19,1905.FEB.14, 1911" followed by "COLT'S PT. F.A.MFG.CO/HARTFORD CT./U.S.A.". It still retains the early narrow front sight with the round top rear sight. It has the early thumb safety with the cuts on the underside and rear sight of the thin lever. It still retains the other early Colt parts such as the smooth trigger, checkered slide stop, checkered thumb safety and magazine release with the flat main spring housing, wide spur hammer and later production replacement Colt barrel with the separated "H" and "P" proofmarks. The rear of the slide has the provision "H" proof and there is an "H 4" proof on top of the frame by the disconnector hole. It has the standard checkered walnut grips with large diamond patterns around the screws. It is complete with one early blue magazine with the lanyard loop on the bottom.

Excellent with 90% plus of the original blue finish overall with edge and high spot wear with some minor thinning on top of the slide, the front grip strap with the mainspring housing have browned out. There is minor blue loss on the front edges of the slide. The walnut grips are in very fine condition with nice distinct, sharp checking on both sides with only minor handling marks. This is an exceptional example of a 1913 production U.S. Colt Model 1911 Army semi-automatic pistol.