This is a fine representative example of an early U.S. Navy marked Colt Model 1911 pistol that was manufactured in 1912. This Colt Government Model semi-automatic pistol was shipped to the Brooklyn Navy Yard as part of a lot of 1,000 pistols on Oct 5, 1912. The slide, frame, grip safety and mainspring housing have the military blue finish adopted in April 1912. The trigger, slide stop, safety lock, rear sight and hammer have a brush blue finish. The thumb safety is a later production replacement. The barrel is blue with a brush blue finish on the top of the chamber. The lanyard loop, "punch-and-saw cut" magazine has a muted, two-tone finish. The later production replacement checkered diamond pattern walnut grips are oil-finished. The pistol has the early style components which include: (1) first style recoil spring plug, (2) Type II, slotted, magazine catch lock, (3) round top rear sight, (4) short spur hammer, and (5) 'punch-and-saw cut' magazine. The right side of the slide is roll-stamped: "MODEL OF 1911. U.S. NAVY". The right side of the slide has the early style markings with 1911 patent date and encircled Rampant Colt trademark behind the slide serrations. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped: "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" ahead of the trigger guard and stamped with the Ordnance "WPG" monogram above the magazine release. The serial number: "No 7084" is stamped on the right side of the frame ahead of the slide stop hole. The top of the frame is stamped with an "H" provisional inspection mark and "1" assembler's mark in front of the disconnector hole. An "H" provisional inspection mark is stamped horizontally on the rear of the slide above the firing pin stop. The top of the chamber area is stamped with a conjoined "HP" proof and the underside of the later production replacement barrel is stamped with a small illegible Colt inspection mark. The U.S. Navy received approximately 15,037 M1911 pistols with "U.S. NAVY" marked slides between 1912 and 1915. The 7,000 U.S. Navy marked M1911 pistols manufactured and delivered in 1912 are some of the most desirable of all Colt M1911 U.S. contract pistols.

Fine with 60% of the blue finish overall with general light blue flaking and wear mixed with a brown patina in some areas. The top of the slide does show some areas of heavier blue flaking with a larger area showing some gray patina mixed with some very minor erosion. The front grip strap also shows some blue wear mixed and light scratches from handling and use. The right rear frame area is refinished with dings visible around the thumb safety pin. The replacement grips are in fine condition with sharp checkering overall. The markings are clear and sharp. A very presentable early Colt Model 1911, U.S. Navy contract pistol.