A total of 15,037 of these pistols were manufactured by Colt with the desirable U.S. Navy slide marking, 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 1912 production, U.S. Navy contract, Colt Model 1911 pistol that was shipped on 30 August 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 1912. The left side of the period replacement 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. The brushed blue later production replacement barrel is marked with "P" and "H" on the chamber. The left side of the frame has the U.S. property marking and "WGP" circled monogram 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 a unmarked two-tone magazine with lanyard loop base. Provenance: The Dr. Robert Azar Collection

Fine, retains 80% plus of the original blue finish on the frame and the correct style replacement slide retaining 90% duller finish, arsenal refurbished blue, the balance having mostly thinned to a smooth grey patina, primarily on edges and the back strap/grip safety, and some scattered light handling marks. The grips are also fine with some scattered light dings and scratches and a few minor blemishes in the otherwise crisp checkering.