Approximately 10,500 Colt Government Model pistols were reportedly acquired by the British government between October of 1917 and April of 1919, with this example being one of them. The left side of the slide is marked with the two-line, two-block address and patent markings, with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations. It is a Colt Government Model marked with a set of crossed pennant and broad arrow military stamps on the left of the frame, "crown/66/E/VP" and "U" markings on the left side of the trigger guard, "COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE 455" on the right of the slide, along with the standard commercial markings and the special "W" prefix serial number on the right of the frame. The later replacement blued barrel has a polished chamber hood and is marked "W" on the bottom in front of the lug and "2" on the back of the lug. It is fitted with fixed blade and notch sights, with a long smooth trigger, wide checkered hammer, short grip safety, checkered grips, a two-tone magazine with "CAL. 455/ELEY" and a lanyard base, and the proper "shelf" for the .455 case rim in the chamber hood of the barrel.

Very good, retains 75% of the original blue with the balance having thinned to a smooth grey patina, primarily on the grip straps and high spots, and some minor vise type marks on the slide. The mainspring housing is a refinished replacement. The grips are very good with some light handling marks scattered throughout, mild wear, and otherwise well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.