This is a very fine example of an early production "U.S. Army" contract Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol. This beautiful example has the various transition features only seen on very early production pistols. The left side of the slide has the very early short, two line/two block Colt markings with serifs that consists of "PATENTED APR. 20. 1897/SEPT.9. 1902. DEC.19.1905. FEB.14.1911" followed by "COLT'S PT. F.A. CO./HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.", with the circled Rampant Colt logo stamped behind the serrations. It has the early/transition style rounded rear sight with the narrow/thin half moon front sight blade, type III screwdriver slotted magazine catch lock, short wide spur Colt hammer, short spur grip safety, concave mainspring housing pin, first type thin lever thumb safety with the undercut, and the early first style rectangular punched recoil housing cap. The left side of the frame is stamped with the circled "WGP" inspector mark of Major Walter G. Penfield, U.S. Ordnance inspector with the small size, "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" and small sized serial numbers "No.16463" on the right side. This pistol is fitted with the correct style early unmarked Colt all blue barrel with a single number "5" inspection proof stamped on the underside in front of the barrel lug, with the early provisional letter "H" proofmark on the rear face of the sight hood and on top of the frame. The pistol has the very rare, early style half-tone, lanyard loop magazine with the pinned on base plate with the keyhole/saw cut on the back side.

Exceptionally fine with 90% of the original blue finish. The pistol displays general handling marks, areas of high point and edge wear, a small takedown mark on the left side of the frame, strong markings, a noticeable vertical patch of gray patina present on the front grip strap and mainspring housing, and sharp slide serrations. The grips are also excellent with some handling marks in the checkering and a few rounded edges. Mechanically excellent.