Developed in 1923 on orders from the Ordnance Department, the Improved Model 1911 pistols were equipped with a shorter trigger, dished out receiver sides, extended grip safety, arched mainspring housing and widened front sight, essentially making them the first government contract pistols to conform to the 1911A1 standard. This particular model comes with a factory letter, identifying it as part of a 1,000 pistol delivery made to the Springfield Armory on February 7, 1924, with the letter explicitly calling out the "new style" trigger, safety and mainspring housing. Fixed sights with the two line, two block address and patent dates on the left side divided by the Rampant Colt and "MODEL OF 1911.U.S.ARMY" on the right. Captain Walter T. Gordon's "WTG" inspection mark on the left side of the frame with "51" on the trigger guard and "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" on the right side. Equipped with a Colt barrel (conjoined "HP" stamp), checkered wide hammer, slide catch, thumb safety, trigger and mainspring housing, checkered grips and a two-tone magazine.

Very fine with 90% of the original blue finish. Small patches of pitting on the right side of the pistol, scratches on the left including a few from the slide stop, bright edge wear and hints of a brown patina. The grips are very good with some dents and scuffs. Mechanically excellent.