This is a beautiful example of an original Colt "U.S. Navy" Contract Model 1911 Semi-automatic pistol manufactured in 1915. This pistol was one of 500 guns shipped to the Brooklyn Navy Yard on March 5, 1915 for the Naval Militia and the consignor stated that this pistol originally belonged to Lt. Cmr. Allen L. Malone, who was the aide to Adm. King, Commandant of the Philadelphia Navy Yard. These early pre-WWI U.S. Navy contract pistol in original condition that still have their original Navy marked slide are one of the most difficult 1911 series pistols to obtain. These were produced very early on when the Navy was contracting directly with Colt for their service pistol requirements, later all procurements were standardized and purchased only through the U.S. Army. All future procurements only have the U.S. Army markings. The left side of the slide is roll marked in a two line, two block pattern with the 1897-1913 patent dates followed by the Colt factory address, followed by the circled Rampant Colt logo, behind the serrations. The right side of the slide has the very rare "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. NAVY" markings. The left front section of the frame is marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY", with the circled "GHS" Ordnance inspection mark of Major Gilbert H. Stewart above the magazine release. The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number "No 109618". It also still retains its original early all blue barrel that is stamped with the separated "P" and "H" proof marks on the top of the chamber and a single number "5" stamped on the underside of the barrel in front of the lug. It has all the correct early parts such as a smooth face trigger, checkered slide stop, checkered, thick thumb safety, checkered wide spur hammer, flat main spring housing and checkered walnut grips with diamond pattern around the screws. This beautiful early Colt Navy pistol is complete with one unmarked two-tone magazine with the flat base and an original and also very rare early Rock Island Arsenal marked 1914 dated leather holster with the drop-down belt swivel. The back side of these holsters are marked; "ROCK ISLAND/ARSENAL 1914/J.N.S. over stamped with E.C.", with the name "Malone/Maryland N.M." being inscribed further down. These early holsters with the drop down swivel are extremely rare as the Army standardized all these holsters, with the early ones all being reworked with the swivel portion removed.

Excellent with 95% of the original blue finish overall with some extensive very light minor surface rust just starting to form on the front grip strap, mainspring housing and grip safety area from sitting in a holster. The grips are excellent with a nice dark matching color, nice sharp checkering and only a couple of minor handling marks. The markings are clear and sharp. The holster is fine with a nice light color overall, showing minor scratches and scuffs on the face and clear sharp markings on the back. The upper belt loop and drop down belt swivel is nice and solid and has tight stitching overall. A really nice original example of an early U.S. Navy contract Colt Model 1911 rig.