This is an example of a very early "three digit" Colt Commercial Government Model semi-automatic pistol as manufactured in 1912. The pistol has a high polish blue finish, barrel with polished chamber, checkered walnut stocks and the rare early, "punch and saw cut" two-tone magazine with the lanyard loop on the base. These early style magazines are nearly impossible to locate these days and to have it included with the pistol is a real bonus. The right side of the frame is marked "GOVERNMENT MODEL" towards the front of the frame extension with the early serial number "C352" marked on the left side also towards the front of the frame. The left trigger guard bow is marked with a "K" assembler's mark on the lower rear end and with the Colt "Triangle/VP" proofmark on the upper front edge. The right side of the slide is marked "COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBER 45" below the ejection port. The left side of the slide is marked with the two-line/two-block 1897, 1902, 1905 and 1911 patent dates and address with the circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The slide has the early narrow front sight and the early, correct round top rear sight. It has an early, all blued Colt barrel that is marked with only a single "N" in front of the barrel lug. The top of the frame by the disconnector hole is stamped with a single "S" inspectors mark. The frame has the Type III magazine catch lock, a short hammer with the checkering with the sharp rear edge, first style military slide stop, safety lock with thin thumb piece and recoil plug with inward punched lip. It is fitted with one original early magazine as noted above and a set of checkered walnut grips with the large raised diamonds around the grip screws.

Very fine, with 70% of the original blued finish remaining with wear and finish loss on the edges and high spots, the front end of the slide and the front and rear grip straps. The grip screws are re-niter blued. The grips are in very good condition overall with nice distinct checkering on both sides showing even honest wear across the tops of the checkering with a couple handling marks. This is a solid example of an early, early Colt Government Model commercial semi-automatic pistol.