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 exceptional example of a 1912 production, U.S. Navy contract, Colt Model 1911 pistol that was shipped on 5 November 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 correct replacement slide is marked with the standard two-line, two-block Colt address and patent dates with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations, while the right bears the desirable "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. NAVY" marking. 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 correct unmarked "keyhole" variant two-tone magazine with lanyard loop base. Barrel is a replacement marked "HS" and "P" on the lugs. Includes a leather, "1913" dated, U.S. marked, Rock Island Arsenal Model of 1912 holster numbered "107" (leg strap is absent). Provenance: The Gus Cargile Collection

Fine, retains 75% of the original blue finish with the replacement slide slightly more dull and the balance having mostly thinned to a smooth grey patina, primarily on high spots and the grip straps, and a small patch of dark deep pitting visible in front of the ejector port. The grips are very good with some scattered minor blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The holster is very good with mild wear and some cracking near the hanger.