Manufactured in late 1912, the first year of full production for the Colt Model 1911 pistol. These pistols were the peak of firearms technology at the time and quickly became highly sought after by military men and civilians alike. This example is listed on p. 235 of "The Government Models: The Development of the Colt Model of 1911" by Goddard as being part of a 500 gun shipment to Benicia Arsenal on 6 November 1912. The left side of the slide has the two-line/two-block patent dates and address with the circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations while the right side has the standard "MODEL of 1911. U.S. ARMY" marking. The left of the slide has the U.S. property marking and "WGP" monogram while the right has the serial number. Fitted with later production replacement blade and flat top notch sights, long smooth trigger, wide checkered hammer, short grip safety, later production replacement barrel with conjoined "HP" on the chamber and "5" on the bottom, diamond pattern checkered grips, and an unmarked later production replacement two-tone magazine with lanyard loop base. Provenance: The Dr. Robert Azar Collection

Fine, retains 75% plus of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to a smooth grey patina, primarily on edges and the grip straps. The grips are very good with a few scattered minor dings and chips, and otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.