According to the included factory letter, this pistol was part of a 50-piece shipment to Colt's London Office in London, England on August 6, 1912. Per tradition, the grips are "Not Listed", though the other major features are verified. This would be a very early delivery for the Government Model, likely among the very first to arrive in Europe. At the time, the Government Model represented a cutting edge piece of technology, the state of the art in large bore handguns, and it established a reputation for striking power that has carried the model clear through two world wars, the Cold War, and into the 21st century. In addition to various private buyers looking for a potent defensive arm, the Government Model was also sought as a sidearm by the officers of the British military, many of whom would take them into battle for World War I. The slide bears the two-line, two-block address and patent markings on the left side of the slide ahead of the circled Rampant Colt, with the caliber markings on the reverse, "VP" and "K" on the trigger guard, and "GOVERNMENT MODEL" on the right side of the frame. In accordance with British proofing requirements of the era, the "crown/V" proof stamp has been applied to the left rear side of the slide and frame, with the "crown/V" and "crown/GP" on top of the chamber. A rich, fiery niter blue finish is present on the wide hammer, knurled thumb safety and slide catch, the magazine catch and the long, smooth trigger, with a full blue magazine marked "19200-/ASSY 5508694/MFR.30745" on the base and a pair of checkered hardwood grips numbered "13/57" on the lower diamond on the left side and "13/59" on the upper diamond on the right side; these markings are not documented, but private purchased military sidearms have been known to bear similar markings.

Very fine, with 75% of the bright original high polish blue finish, showing scattered, handling marks, edge wear and areas of brown surface oxidation overall. A number of small dings are present around the slide catch, along with a set of bright takedown lines. The sights, grip safety and magazine are later production replacements. The grips are very good, with some chipping, dents and scratches. Mechanically excellent.