Manufactured in 1913, bearing "MODEL OF 1911. U.S. NAVY" (serifed) nomenclature on the right side of the correct period 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, but WWI brought about the abandonment of all but the Army nomenclature to speed up production, which continued 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 Rampant Colt, "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" and "WGP" (Penfield) on the left side of the frame. Fitted with a 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. The barrel is marked "P H" on top of the chamber hood and "T" on the left side of the lug.

Fine, with 70% of the original blue finish, showing areas of brown patina, edge wear, and mild handling marks and spotting. Some scratches and dents are present, concentrated on the slide and around the back strap, including some signs of buffing/reshaping of the front sight and tool marks around the rear sight slot. Some slight opening/reshaping of the chamber mouth has been performed. The grips are also fine, with minor dents and chips. Mechanically excellent.