Manufactured in October 1918, this is a desirable example of a U.S. Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol that has the distinctive blue-black "Black Army" finish. The "Black Army" finish was adopted by Colt in mid-1918 to expedite production. Other late production features on this pistol include the 1918 style safety lock with thick thumb piece, slide with Second Style recoil spring housing, model designation on the right side of the slide in 7/64 inch letters, un-finished heart-shaped grip openings in the frame, conjoined "H/P" proof and inspection mark on the barrel chamber and an "eagle head/S17" inspection stamp on the left side of the frame. "MODEL OF 1911.U.S.ARMY" is marked on the right side of the slide, with the two-line/two-block 1897-1913 patent dates and two-line Hartford address on the left side of the slide with the Rampant Colt in between. "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" is marked on the left side of the frame ahead of the trigger guard, with the serial number on the right side behind the slide stop hole. An "H" provisional inspection mark is stamped on the rear of the slide above the firing pin stop and on the top of the frame in front of the disconnector hole. Low profile fixed sights, unmarked two tone magazine and fitted with checkered walnut grips with the diamond pattern around the screws. The included factory letter confirms this pistol was one of 6,000 shipped to the U.S. Government at the Bush Terminal in Brooklyn on October 15, 1918.

Excellent. The pistol retains 95% plus original factory "Black Army" finish with some scattered flaking on the grip safety and the grip strap, along with some minor disassembly marks on the right side of the recoil spring housing. The front strap shows some thinning. The barrel retains 90% original blue finish with some cycling wear on the chamber. The grips are fine. The upper rear of the right grip panel has very light checkering and partially cut-out diamond escutcheon surrounding the upper grip screw, which is result of factory production short cuts, and overall some wear with the remaining checkering being crisp. The left panel shows some light handling wear and the checkering remains sharp. The markings are crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent. An excellent original example of a late World War I production U.S. Colt "Black Army" Model 1911 pistol.