Manufactured in 1937, this Colt Government Model pistol passed through the Proof House at Birmingham and falls within the serial number range C186000-C188812 of 1,3000 pistols of this type shipped on July 2, 1940 to the British Purchasing Commission. An estimated total of 2,595 "Battle of Britain" Government Model pistols were shipped in an emergency effort by the British to replace the small arms lost during the Battle of France in May 1940. These guns were shipped to Winchester and then exported to Great Britain. In addition to the standard Colt markings ("P/VP" and "60" on trigger guard, matching numbered slide, "COLT 45 AUTO" barrel), the "crown/BNP" stamp is present on the right side of the chamber, slide and frame, tonnage/diameter markings on the chamber, and an "I 4 B" crossed sword view stamp on the frame near the magazine catch. Fitted with fixed sights, a short milled trigger, wide knurled hammer, slide catch, thumb safety and magazine catch, long grip safety, arched mainspring housing, and checkered wood grips. Slightly earlier pattern commercial two tone replacement magazine (in excellent condition).