Manufactured in 1912, the first year of production for the commercial Government Model. This pistol represented the cutting edge of firearm technology and was one of the early pistols that established a reputation for striking power and a lineage of dependability that has carried the model through more than a century in military and civilian hands alike. The slide bears the two-line, two-block address and patent markings on the left side of the slide with the circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The early pattern barrel is totally unmarked and is bright blue with the rear portion being brush blued. The right of the slide has the caliber markings. "VP" and "K" are on the trigger guard, and "GOVERNMENT MODEL" on the right side of the frame. The early four-digit serial number is located on the left of the frame, which was only standard on the first 2,250 Government Models. A rich, fiery niter blue finish is present on the checkered wide hammer, checkered thumb safety and slide catch, the magazine catch, and the long smooth trigger. Fitted with a set of diamond pattern checkered grips and an unmarked two-tone "key-slot" pattern magazine with lanyard loop on the bottom.

Very fine, retains 85% plus of the bright original high polish, blue and 75% of the original bright nitre blue with the balance a smooth grey patina and a few small scattered patches of light surface pitting. The grips are also very fine with a few scattered minor dings and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent.