A total of 15,037 of these pistols were manufactured with the desirable U.S. Navy slide marking by Colt, all of which were delivered prior to April of 1915. After that all Model 1911 pistols delivered to the navy would bear the standard U.S. Army nomenclature, of which there were approximately 578,473 manufactured, making this variation comparatively very scarce. This is an example of a first year production, U.S. Navy contract, Colt Model 1911 pistol that was shipped on 5 October 1912 to the Brooklyn Navy Yard ("The Government Models: The Development of the Colt Model of 1911" by Goddard). It is finished in the military brushed blue finish that was adopted in April of the same year. The left side of the slide is marked with the standard two-line, two-block Colt address and patent dates with the circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations, while the right bears the desirable "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. NAVY" marking. Blued later production replacement barrel with conjoined "HP" inspection stamp visible on the chamber. The left side of the frame has the U.S. property marking and "WGP" circled monogram of inspector Penfield above the magazine release, while the serial number is on the right. It is fitted with blade front and rounded top notch rear sights, checkered slide catch, thumb safety, magazine catch, and wide hammer, long smooth trigger, smooth flat mainspring housing with lanyard loop, a pair of diamond pattern checkered walnut grips, and an unmarked two-tone later production replacement magazine with a lanyard loop on the base.

Fine, retains 50% of the original high polish blue finish with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina, primarily on the grip straps and in the form of mild holster type wear. The grips are very good with some mild wear, some scattered minor dings and scratches, and mostly well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.