Manufactured in 1912, the first year of production for the commercial Government Model. This early, three-digit serial number 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 right of the slide has the caliber markings. "VP" and "K" are on the trigger guard, and "GOVERNMENT MODEL" is on the front right side of the frame. The early three-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. The barrel is a later production replacement. Fitted with a lanyard ring on the butt, a set of diamond pattern checkered grips, and an unmarked two-tone magazine with lanyard loop on the bottom. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration (grips not listed) as well as shipment to Stauffer Eshleman Company in New Orleans on 10 September 1912. Provenance: The Dr. Robert Azar Collection

Very fine, retains 75% plus of the original high polish blue finish and 70% of the bright original nitre blue with the balance having thinned to a smooth grey patina, primarily on high edges and handling areas, and a few scattered patches of light surface pitting. The grips are also very fine with a few scattered minor blemishes in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.