This is an excellent example of a early pre-WWI Colt Model 1911 pistol that was shipped to the Commander at Springfield Armory on Oct 29th, 1914, in a shipment of 996 pistols. This pistol as noted has very interesting front grip strap markings that have been etched/panagraphed into the metal that read "65. NY. No. 20", which might indicated this pistol was issued to the 65th New York Infantry Regiment. The Buffalo Masten Avenue Armory (also known as the 65th Regiment Armory) in Buffalo, New York, was the state arsenal and drill hall of the 65th Regiment in 1907-1917. The regiment was called into federal service in June 1916 and deployed along the U.S.-Mexico border during the Mexican border crisis. In July 1916, the 65th was converted and redesignated as the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment and eventually was assigned to the 27th Division during World War I, participating in the Meuse-Argonne and Lorraine 1918 campaigns. The right side of the slide is marked "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY" in Roman letters. The opposite side has a two-line block with 1897-1913 patent dates followed by a second block with Colt's Hartford address. The Rampant Colt logo without a circle is located behind the slide serrations. A block "H" provisional inspection mark is stamped on the rear of the slide above the firing pin. The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number, "102020", and the left side is marked in small Roman letters with "United States Property". The encircled initials of inspector Walt G. Penfield (W.G.P.) are stamped above the magazine release. A block "H" provisional inspection mark is stamped above the disconnector hole, and a Roman "b" Colt assembly mark is stamped to the right of the hole. The chamber area of the barrel has the separated "P and H" proofmarks (sideways), a single "J" proofmark is on the left side of the barrel lug, and a single "5" is on the underside in front of the lug. The pistol is fitted with the short hammer found on pre-WWI Colt pistols. The rear sight is the second pattern with flat top approved in September 1913. The safety lock is the 1914 pattern with under cut thick thumb piece. It is fitted with a two-tone blued magazine with a lanyard loop on the base and comes with a US marked M1912 leather holster with the drop down belt loop attachment. The back of the holster is marked "ROCK ISLAND/ARSENAL 1914/T.C.C."

Excellent with 98% of the original blue finish overall with only minor edge and high spot wear and minor blue loss on the front edge of the slide. The walnut grips are in excellent condition with nice sharp, distinct checkering on both sides and minimal handling marks. The holster is also in very good condition with nice tight stitching and clear sharp markings on the back. The front face of the holster flap and lower front part of the holster show minor handling marks and scratches from light use, and the original leg strap is still in place. A really super nice high condition Colt M1914 pistol that needs further research into the actual ownership of the gun and the unit history.