This is a rare and much sought after variation of the WWI Colt Model 1911 as issued to the United States Marine Corp. According to Charles Clawson in "Colt .45 Service Pistols" on page 121, this pistol was 1 of 1,250 pistols shipped to the U.S. Marine Corps Depot Quartermaster in Philadelphia, Pa. on July 9, 1913. These were manufactured as standard Army contract pistols and are distinguishable only by the serial number ranges. The front left side of the frame is marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" in small lettering with a circled intertwined "WGP" acceptance proof of Major Walter G. Penfield the U.S. Ordnance inspector at Colt over the magazine release. The right side is marked with the serial number, and the top of the frame has the early acceptance proofs of the letter "H" and "T". The left side of the slide is marked with the very early Colt two-line patent/address markings of "PATENTED APR 20 1897/SEPT. 9 1902, DEC 19 1905, FEB 14,1911",and "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG CO./HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A." with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations. It also has the early round top rear sight and narrow front sight. It has the early Colt parts, such as the 1911 checkered slide stop, thin thumb piece, short grip safety, flat mainspring housing and the early short Colt hammer with the wide checkered spur. It has a later WWI type blued Colt barrel marked on the lower left side: "COLT 45 AUTO". It is fitted with its original checkered walnut grips with a diamond around the screws. It is complete with "Keyslot" variation magazine with lanyard ring on the base.

Very fine with 75% plus of the original finish overall, general edge and high spot wear overall, slight thinning and browning on the slide, and blue loss and brown patina on the front grip strap, mainspring housing and upper grip safety. The markings are clear and sharp. The grips are in fine condition with a nice original medium brown oil finish and nice distinct checking showing light handling marks on both sides. Mechanically excellent.