Manufactured in 1913 and subsequently custom embellished, 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, 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 Rampant Colt, the aforementioned Navy marking on the right, and "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 "J" on the left side of the lug. Light custom engraving has been performed on the slide and frame, with zig-zag borders and vine motifs; the engraver and period is unknown (no signature found).

Fine as custom embellished, with 70% of the refinished blue finish, showing a mixed brown and gray patina concentrated on the front strap, mainspring housing and grip safety, bright edge wear, and mild handling marks. A deep dent is present on the rear of the slide, just above the extractor. The engraved areas have turned a light aged brown color. The grips are good, with some dings and stains. Mechanically excellent.