Manufactured in 1945 as part of an American military contract, many of these pistols are known to have been retained following World War II and issued as sidearms to newly promoted Brigadier Generals. This pistol is recorded by number in the book "U.S. General Officer Pistols: A Collector's Guide" as having been issued on December 15th, 1947 to (then) Brigadier General Cornelius Edward Ryan. A 1917 graduate of the University of Connecticut, Ryan began a 48 year Army career as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 49th Infantry, 83rd Division, First American Expeditionary Force. In World War II he was a staff officer under General Omar Bradley, and participated in the landing at Omaha Beach on D-Day. Following the end of hostilities in Europe he spent a few years on occupation duty, serving as the commanding general of Frankfurt and later Berlin, and in the early 1950s was placed in command of the Korean Military Advisory Group, which was responsible for training and upgrading the army of the Republic of Korea, and acted under the command of the 8th Army during the Korean War itself. Overall features are standard, with a high polish Colt blue finish, a "U.S. PROPERTY" mark on the right side of the frame, "crossed cannon" cartouche and "M" prefix on the left, a set of checkered Colt medallion grips and a full blue magazine. Included with the pistol is a general officer's gun belt, fine brown leather with gilt exterior fittings, with the belt numbered "36" and fitted with snap adjustments and the two piece "American Eagle" buckle, and a holster. Also included are photocopies of the relevant pages of "U.S. General Officer Pistols" and information related to General Ryan.

Very good, with 40% of the faded original blue finish, showing areas of gray patina, bright edge wear, and scattered spotting and handling marks. A scratch is present on the left side of the frame near the safety switch, and a small amount of pitting on the right side of the frame and slide. The heavily worn grips are good, with some staining and scuffs. The belt rig is very good. Mechanically excellent.