These early Colt Government pistols are difficult to find in any condition much less one in this outstanding condition as they saw heavy use by law enforcement officers who were eager to use the larger 45 ACP cartridge. They are some of the finest Colt 1911 type pistols ever produced as they had hand fitted parts with a beautiful early Colt high polish commercial blue finish with a niter blue finish on the small parts. They were fitted with beautiful fine checkered walnut grips just like the military models. They have the early desirable features such as: early second style Colt slide markings with the 1911 patent date with the "uncircled" Rampant Colt logo behind the slide serrations, the thin/narrow, rounded half-moon front sight, rounded rear sight with the small round sight cut, thin checkered thumb safety with the sharp edge and milled undercuts and the early short checkered slide stop release. The right side of the slide is marked "COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE 45", and the left side has the early two-line, two-block markings of: "PATENTED APR.20, 1897/SEPT. 9, 1902. DEC.19, 1905. FEB.14, 1911. AUG 19. 1913" followed by "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A." with the noted "uncircled" Rampant Colt logo behind the slide serrations. The right side of the frame behind the take down pin is marked with the early small, block style Colt serial number (C9113) with the serifs on the letter "C". This example also has the early frame change where the "GOVERNMENT MODEL" markings are on the right side above the serial number. The left trigger guard bow is stamped with the Colt "VP/Triangle" proofmark, with the Colt inspector initial "Y" stamped on the lower, left, rear part of the trigger guard. It is fitted with its original, early all blued Colt barrel that is stamped with only a single "5" on the underside in front of the lug. This is correct for these early Colt automatics as no other company was manufacturing a Model 1911 pistol. Customized double diamond checkered grips and replacement later production magazine with a gray phosphate finish.

Very fine. 90% plus original bright polished blue finish remains with crisp markings, some light edge wear, and scattered surface rust on the front grip strap. Both grips have been modified by trimming off the tops with sharp checkering and some small dings on the balance. Mechanically excellent. Box is fair with heavy corner and edge wear separated lid portion.