This pistol falls within a large block of Colt Government Model pistols shipped to the British Ministry of Shipping in early 1919, right after the conclusion of World War I. Many of these pistols, like this example, were initially issued to Royal Air Force personnel before many were reissued in 1942 to Royal Navy sea/air rescue units. The left side of the slide has the Rampant Colt between the patent dates and Colt address, each in two lines. while the right is marked with the .455 caliber marking. The right of the frame has the Government Model marking over the "W" prefixed serial number. British military proofs are visible on multiple parts, as well as "R.A.F." on the left of the frame. British proofs are visible on both sides of the barrel lug which has a polished chamber. The pistol is fitted with fixed blade and notch sights, diamond pattern checkered grips, and a two-tone magazine with "CAL.455/ELEY" and a lanyard ring on the base. Provenance: The Gus Cargile Collection