Manufactured in 1912, this is a very rare example of a Colt Government Model semi-automatic pistol that was ordered by Winchester Repeating Arms Co. specifically for the purpose of testing .45 ACP cartridges. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration (grips not listed) as well as shipment to Winchester Repeating Arms Co. in New Haven, Connecticut on 27 September 1912. The pistol is pictured and identified in Edward Meadows' "U.S. Military Automatic Pistols, 1894-1920" on page 229. The left side of the slide is marked with the standard two-line two block address and patent dates, with the circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations, and the right side has the caliber marking. The left side of the frame is marked with the early four digit serial number, and the right side has the Government Model marking along with "W.R.A.Co. 9-28-12" engraved in script with a "CP" inside an octagon proof below it. The left of the trigger guard is marked "VP" and "K". It is fitted with blade and notch sights, early nitre blue small parts, wide checkered hammer, short grip safety, smooth straight mainspring housing with a lanyard loop, diamond pattern checkered grips, and a two-tone magazine with lanyard loop base. The included Buffalo Bill Historical Center letter states that they were unable to locate any information on the specific pistol, but that the proof below the inscription on the right of the frame indicates "cartridge proof" and that, though the Colt letter does not indicate such, the pistol would have been special ordered by Winchester to have exactly median tolerances for the purposes of testing the ammunition they manufactured in the average gun that it would be used in. The letter goes on to state that Winchester held a plethora of firearms from various manufacturers and that, after their active use, these arms were either retained by the company museum or destroyed. The letter also states that often these arms would be ordered by Winchester with their serial numbers in non-standard places to signify their special purpose, however, the serial number on this example is in the standard location for Government Models under serial number C2250. Also included is a copy of an article from "Gun Report" stating similar information. Provenance: The Dr. Robert Azar Collection

Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus of the bright, original, high polish blue finish and 70% of the original nitre blue with some light handling marks scattered throughout and the balance having thinned to a smooth grey patina, primarily on edges and the mainspring housing. The grips are very fine with some scattered light dings and scratches, and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. This pistol is truly a one-of-a-kind example that fits both Colt and Winchester collections!