This is a desirable example of a British Contract Colt Government Model semi-automatic pistol with the "W" prefix serial number and "R.A.F." markings. At the start of WWI the British ordering office had a contract with Colt for a total of 2,200 Model 1911 pistols under two separate contracts with each pistol having the early Colt markings and high luster blue finish. This specific pistol is "1 of 200" delivered in the first month of delivery under the first contract on July 1915. The slide is marked "COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE .455" with the left side marked with the two-line, two-block patent and address slide markings with the Rampant Colt between the two-blocks with a "crossed-pennant" British proofmark behind the slide serrations. The frame is marked on the right side "GOVERNMENT MODEL" over the "W 109694" serial number. The left side of the frame in front of the slide stop pin hole with "R.A.F." for the British Royal Flying Corp., followed by a single "Broad Arrow proof" over the British "Crossed Pennant" proofmark. Directly above the magazine release button is stamped with the British "Crown/G2/A" proofmark applied at Colt by British inspector George Stedley with the Colt "VP" Verified Proof on the front end of the trigger guard bow. It has a pre-WWII Springfield Armory replacement barrel that has the "S" and "P" proofs on the left side of the barrel lug with a lot number of "PX-4" also stamped on the lower left edge of the chamber. The top right side of the chamber has been restamped "455" and the chamber has been properly lengthened for the 455 Webley cartridge. This fine example has the early checkered slide stop, the early type two checkered thumb safety with the flat mainspring housing, short grip safety, wide Colt hammer with the checkered spur and the checkered walnut grip panels. It has the correct British contract half-tone magazine with a lanyard loop on the bottom that is marked "CAL.455 ELEY".

Very good with much of a British Arsenal dipped blue finish, with edge and high spot wear with minor spotting on top of the slide and thinning and spotting on the mainspring housing. The Rampant Colt on the left side of slide is barely visible. The grips are fair with extensive visible checkering on both sides with wear across the checkering mixed with pressure dents and small dings. A nice example of a scarce two war British issue Model 1911 Colt semi-automatic pistol.