This is an excellent example of a Colt Government Model (1911 type) semi-automatic pistol manufactured in 1917. These early commercial pistols had a high polish blue finish and hand fitted parts. The left side of the side is marked with the two line, two block marking "PATENTED APR. 20, 1897. SEPT. 9, 1902/DEC. 19, 1905. FEB. 14, 1911. AUG. 19, 1913" and "COLT'S PT. FA. MFG. CO./HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A." with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The right side of the slide is marked "COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE 45" and the left side of the frame is marked "GOVERNMENT MODEL" above the serial number. Smooth trigger, checkered slide stop, thumb safety, magazine release and wide spur hammer, standard low profile fixed sights, flat mainspring housing with a lanyard ring on the heel, unmarked two tone magazine and fitted with checkered walnut grips with diamond pattern around the screws. The included letter confirms the pistol was shipped on April 21, 1917, with another gun of the same type to C. M. Saville.