Manufactured in 1912, bearing the original "MODEL OF 1911. U.S. NAVY" (serifed) nomenclature on the right side of the slide. When Colt began production of the 1911, they originally provided different nomenclature for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and would ship the pistols directly to the appropriate facilities, though WWI would bring about the abandonment of all but the Army nomenclature to speed up production, which would continue through the remainder of military 1911/1911A1 contract deliveries. As the Navy marked 1911s were among some of the earliest 1911s received by the military, many were used and mishandled to the point of virtual destruction, leaving surviving examples rare in any condition. Blade front and round-top notch rear sights, with the two-line, two-block Colt patents and address on the left side of the slide ahead of the Circled Rampant Colt, "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" and "WGP" (Penfield) on the left side of the frame. Fitted with a later production replacement "P/H" marked Colt barrel, long smooth trigger, wide checkered hammer, short grip safety, checkered slide stop and thumb safety, flat mainspring housing with lanyard staple, checkered hardwood grips with diamond patterns around the screws and a two-tone pinned-base magazine. Included with the pistol is a tan canvas Mills web belt, with a green Mills 1916 magazine pouch (empty), a 1917 Rock Island first aid pouch marked "H HOLBROOK" and containing a green painted first aid packet (sealed), and a scarce Mills holster, canvas web body with brass tip and hardware.

Fine, with 40% of the original blue finish, showing bright edge wear, areas of brown and gray patina, scattered spotting and mild handling marks. The heavily worn grips are fair with some dents and flat spots. The belt rig is in fine condition, with mild wear and stains. Mechanically excellent.