Manufactured in 1926 as one of approximately 5,400 Colt Government Model pistols ordered by the Mexican government it was subsequently nickel plated with gold small parts. The included factory letter confirms the serial number, caliber, barrel length, and contract marking on the slide, as well as shipment to Arms and Metal Products Co. for Sec. De Guerra Y Marina on 15 January 1926 in a shipment of 500 guns. The left side of the slide has the standard two-line address and patent markings while the right has the caliber marking and desirable Mexican contract marking, "EJERCITO MEXICANO". The right of the frame has the Government Model marking over the serial number and the trigger guard is marked with "1/VP" on the left and "51" on the right. It is fitted with blade and notch sights, wide checkered hammer, short stamped trigger, arched checkered mainspring housing with lanyard loop removed, a pair of sterling silver grips mounted with Mexican eagles, Maya calendars, and initial plates marked "A.L.J.", and an unmarked nickeled magazine. Provenance: The Gus Cargile Collection