This is an extraordinary example of an early WWI U.S. Army contract Model 1911 pistol that was manufactured by the Colt firearms company in 1917. This wonderful pistol is accompanied by a Colt factory letter that lists it as being shipped in June 1917 to the Commander of Springfield Armory in a shipment of 1,000 pistols. This pistol has the correct style letters and markings with serifs and has the Colt military brushed blue type finish. The left side of the slide has the standard Colt factory two-line, two-block markings with the Rampant Colt behind the slide serrations. The right side is marked "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY". The left side of the frame is marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" with the initials "GHS", for the U.S. Ordnance inspector Major Gilbert H. Stewart, above the magazine release. The right side is stamped with the serial number "157244". The pistol still retains the correct original World War I parts such as the checkered Colt wide spur hammer, flat main spring housing, checkered slide stop and thick type III thumb safety. It is fitted with a WWI Colt barrel that is marked over the chamber area with the separated "H" and "P" proofmarks, and a single number "5" is on the underside in front of the lug. This beautiful pistol still retains the original World War I Colt diamond pattern checkered walnut grips and is complete with one half-tone magazine.

Near new, as issued with 99% plus of the original blue finish with absolutely little or no wear marks overall. The markings and proofs are clear and sharp and the metal surfaces displays the correct Colt military style brushed blue finish overall. The checkered walnut grips are also in excellent condition with nice, distinct checkering on both sides and no visible handling marks. This is one of the best World War I Colt M1911 U.S. Army contract pistols that we have seen. Certainly it would be the center piece of any US military pistol collection with none finer!