This is a very fine example of a very early Colt manufactured "Government Model" semi-automatic pistol. During this time frame, Colt was producing some of the best automatic pistols with excellent fit and finish, that Colt pre-war high luster, blue finish, and fine tuned triggers. Based on the serial numbers of this pistol, it was produced in late 1914. These early Colt Government Models were the same configuration as the WWI US Army issue models. The slide has the early, two-line/two-block Colt address and patent markings of: "PATENTED APR.20.1897. SEPT.9.1902" over "DEC.19.1905.FEB.14.1911.AUG 19.1913" with the second block marked: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. /HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A." with the Rampant Colt logo behind the slide serrations. The right side of the slide is marked "COLT AUTOMATIC /CALIBRE. 45". The right side of the frame is marked "GOVERNMENT MODEL" over the serial number "C 14918". This model has the checkered walnut grips with the large diamonds around the grips screws, the early checkered type two thumb safety with the thick thumb piece, the checkered slide release, the short horn grip safety, the long, smooth face Colt trigger, the wide Colt hammer with the checkered spur and the flat mainspring housing with lanyard loop on the bottom. It is complete with an early Colt half-tone magazine with no lanyard loop on the base plate.

Fine with 70% of the original blue finish overall, a gray patina on the front and rear grip straps, and extensive minor light corrosion spotting on the top edges of the slide. The grips are in very fine condition with nice distinct diamond checkering on both sides with light wear across the top and some minor handling marks. The barrel is a replacement. A fine, representative Colt Government Model semi-automatic pistol that is over 100 years old!