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 early pattern barrel is polished blue with brush blue on the rear portion and is marked "N" on the bottom ahead of the lug. The right of the slide has the caliber markings. "VP" and "K" are on the trigger guard, and "GOVERNMENT MODEL" is on the 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, slide catch, the magazine catch, and the long smooth trigger. Fitted with a lanyard ring on the butt, a set of diamond pattern checkered grips, and a later production replacement unmarked two-tone magazine with lanyard loop on the bottom. Provenance: The Dr. Robert Azar Collection

Fine, retains 50% of the bright original high polish blue finish and 60% of the original nitre blue with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, primarily in the form of holster type wear on high spots and on the grip straps. The grips are also fine with some scattered light handling marks, wear on the lower portions of both panels, and otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.