Manufactured in 1944. Information from Horace Greeley IV's "The Colt U.S. General Officer's Pistol" suggests that the "M" prefix U.S. Property 1903s and 1908s were returned to the Colt factory in March of 1945, where they were upgraded for increased reliability in feeding and extracting and stamped with the "M" to indicate the work was performed. Greeley's survey also reports a General Officer-issued pistol on either side of this handgun. Fixed sights, with the two line address and patent dates on the left side of the slide ahead of the Rampant Colt, caliber markings below the ejector port, "U.S. PROPERTY" marked frame, and "62", "X" and "VP" on the trigger guard. Fitted with a pair of Colt medallion grips and a correct "M" marked magazine. It also comes, with two original Colt marked extra magazines. The base plates on both are marked "Cal.380/COLT" with the letter "M" stamped on the underside of the lip. It has a plain brown kraft type shipping box that is hand-numbered "M137788" on the lid with an original Colt instruction sheet inside.

Very fine, with 80% plus original blue finish, showing bright edge wear, a mixed gray patina on the grip straps, spotting concentrated on the right side of the slide, chamber and frame and scattered handling marks. The grips are very good, with moderate overall wear, some dark spots and dings. Mechanically excellent.