Manufactured in 1916, fairly early in the production of the Colt Government Model. This pistol represented the cutting edge of firearm technology and was highly sought after by military personnel and civilians alike. This particular example is sometimes called a "Commercial Issue" as it was ordered specifically for presentation to a military officer. In 1916 this pistol would have been an incredible gift for an officer who had obviously earned the respect and admiration of those serving under him. The pistol is listed by serial number on p. 260 of "The Government Models: The Development of the Colt Model of 1911" by Goddard, including the inscription and that it was shipped to Samuel Bryan, Pay Inspector, U.S. Navy on 17 May 1916 along with two other pistols also inscribed to naval officers. The slide bears the two-line, two-block address and patent markings on the left side of the slide with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The right of the slide has the caliber markings. "VP" and "R" are on the trigger guard, and "GOVERNMENT MODEL" is on the right side of the frame above the serial number. The right side of the slide also bears the factory inscription "To W.C. Sutherland/From His Company". A Lieutenant W.C. Sutherland is listed in the March 1919 issue of Army-Navy-Air Force Register and Defense Times (Vol. 65) as detached from Massachusetts Institute of Technology; to Mare Island to duty in hull division, navy yard. The Mare Island Navy Yard was the first of its kind on the west coast of the United States, and in 1917 was the site of a large explosion of munitions barges that is believed to have been carried out by German saboteur, Lothar Witzke. It is possible that this pistol was a gift from members of the Navy R.O.T.C. at M.I.T. to Sutherland upon graduation. Includes a "1914" dated canvas Mills holster.

Very fine, retains 80% of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned mostly to a grey-plum brown patina, primarily in the form of holster and grip type wear. The grips are also very fine with a few scattered minor blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The holster is very good with some mild wear and dark staining, and the snap grommet detached from the body but still attached to the snap stud and included.