This is an excellent example of a early pre-WWI Colt Model 1911 pistol that was shipped to the Commander Springfield Armory on Oct 29th, 1914 in a shipment of 996 pistols (just turned 100 years old!). This pistol as noted has very interesting front grip strap markings that have been etched/panagraphed into the metal that reads "65. NY. No. 20", which might indicated this pistol was issued to the "65th New York Infantry Regiment', which was made up of men of Puerto Rican descent. The 65th Infantry Regiment, nicknamed "The Borinqueneers" was a Puerto Rican regiment of the United States Army. The regiment's motto is "Honor et Fidelitas", Latin for "Honor and Fidelity". The 65th Infantry Regiment participated in WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and in what is known in the United States as the War on Terror. The 65th Infantry was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014. The right side of the slide is marked "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY" in roman letters. The opposite side has a two-line block with 1897-1913 patent dates followed by a second block with Colt's Hartford address. The Colt Rampant Horse logo with out a circle is located behind the slide serrations. A block "H" provisional inspection mark is stamped on the rear of the slide above the firing pin. The right side of The frame is marked with the serial number, "102020", with the left side marked in small roman letter, "United States Property". The encircled initials of inspector Walt G. Penfield (W.G.P.) are stamped above the magazine release. A block "H" provisional inspection mark is stamped above the disconnector hole and a roman "b" Colt assembly mark is stamped to the right of the hole. The chamber area of the barrel has the separated "P and H" proofmarks (sideways) with a single "J" proofmark on the left side of the barrel lug with a single "5" on the underside in front of the lug. The pistol is fitted with the short hammer found on Pre-WWI Colt pistols. The rear sight is the second pattern with flat top approved in September 1913. The safety lock is the 1914 pattern with under cut thick thumb piece. It is fitted with a two-tone, blued magazine with a lanyard loop on the base and comes with a US marked M1912 leather holster with the drop down belt loop attachment. The back of the holster is marked "ROCK ISLAND/ARSENAL 1914/T.C.C.".

Excellent with 98% of the original blue finish overall with only minor edge and high spot wear with minor blue loss on the front edge of the slide. The walnut grips are in excellent condition with nice sharp, distinct checkering on both sides with minimal handling marks. The holster is also in very good condition with nice tight stitching and clear sharp markings on the back. The front face of the holster flap and lower front part of the holster shows minor handling marks and scratches from light use, with the original leg strap still in place. A really super nice high condition Colt M1914 pistol that needs further research into the actual ownership of the gun and the unit history.