Only the first 51 of these iconic pistols were produced in the year for which they are named, making this example a "true" Model of 1911. This pistol was also the last one included in the very first shipment of 50 pistols sent to Springfield Armory on 4 January 1912. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration, grips not listed, as well as the previously mentioned shipment. The pistol itself bears all the extremely early features one would expect to see on an example with a serial number this low. The left side of the slide has the two-line, two-block patent dates and address, with the address in a slightly larger font as seen on pistols only below serial number 83. The left side of the frame has the remarked (see below) large size "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" marking, which was switched to a smaller font at serial number 100. Walter G. Penfield's "WGP" monogram inspector's mark is also on the left of the frame in its early 90 degree clockwise rotated format, which was seen on only the first 100 Model 1911's produced. The serial number is in the early "No.50" format and forward location on the right of the frame which were changed at serial numbers 4501 and 7501 respectively. The right side of the slide is marked with the iconic "MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY". The pistol shows the early lustrous, high polish, mirror-like blue finish and fiery nitre blue small parts. It is fitted with fixed blade and early round top notch rear sights, the early hand-checkered slide stop and thumb safety which were only seen on the first 150 pistols, the "dimpled" magazine catch which was seen on pistols up to serial number 3189, wide checkered hammer, short grip safety, smooth flat mainspring housing with a lanyard loop, a pair of double-diamond pattern checkered walnut grips, and an early two-tone "exposed baseplate" magazine with a lanyard loop, as issued with only the first 4,500 pistols. The later production replacement blued barrel is unmarked. Provenance: The Dr. Robert Azar Collection

Very fine. The "UNITED STATED PROPERTY" marking has been professionally re-rolled (remarked) and refinished in that immediate area. The balance of the pistol retains 60% of the early original high polish blue finish and 70% of the original nitre blue with the balance having thinned to a smooth grey patina. The grips are fine with chipping visible around the screw heads and scattered minor blemishes in the overall well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.