Manufactured in 1943. As stated in the included Colt factory letter dated May 14, 1996, this pistol was acquired by Colt for inclusion in a proposed company museum. The letter goes on to confirm the serial number, finish, grips, and U.S. Property marking. The letter further remarks that as a Colt archive gun, it should not be loaded or fired. Pistol features a fixed blade front and notch rear sights, smooth trigger, "U.S. PROPERTY" marking on the right side of the frame and a small ordnance department marking on the left side below the Rampant Colt marking on the slide. The grips are checkered with inset silver Colt medallions. Includes an original "Kraft" box with the serial number marked on the bottom in pencil. The box includes a magazine and papers. A white shipping box is also included. Provenance: Robert Howard Collection.

Excellent plus in original box with 99% plus original parkerized finish. Showing light handling marks. The grips are also excellent plus with sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very good with a tape repaired separation on the lid and general storage and handling type wear.