Manufactured in 1941, the Robert Sears inspected Colts marked the transition point from Colt's high polish blue to the parkerization treatment that would become the standard for the rest of the war, with this example receiving the "brush" polish blue. Clawson's "Colt .45 Service Pistols: Models of 1911 and 1911A1" lists this pistol in a shipment of 3,150 pistols on 28 June 1941, on p. 396. The left side of the matching numbered slide has the two-line, two-block, patent dates and address with the Rampant Colt between, and the right side of the slide is devoid of markings. The right side of the frame has the U.S. property marking, serial number, and model designation, with "69" on the trigger guard. The left side of the frame has the boxed "R.S." Robert Sears inspection mark, "P" proof, and "T" over "VP" proof on the trigger guard. The top of the slide also has a "P" proof. The blued barrel is marked "COLT 45 AUTO" on the bottom left, "P" on the left of the lug, and "G" on the bottom in front of the lug. Fitted with blade and notch sights, wide checkered hammer, short checkered trigger, long grip safety, arched checkered mainspring housing with a lanyard loop, an unmarked two-tone magazine, and checkered walnut grips. Provenance: The Steven Preston Military Collection

Very fine, retains 70% of the original polished brush blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, primarily on the grip straps and in the form of some chemical type spotting on the rear of the slide and frame. The grips are also very fine with a few scattered light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.