In May of 1942 the U.S. government initially placed an order with Union Switch & Signal Co. for 200,000 Model 1911A1 pistols, an order which was later revised to 55,000 pistols. This pistol was likely manufactured early to mid-1943. The slide is marked with the "USS" monogram and "U.S. & S. Co./SWISSVALE, PA. U.S.A." on the left side, with a Robert Downie "R.C.D." on the left of the frame, and standard U.S. government nomenclature on the right. It is fitted with blade and notch sights, thin checkered hammer, short stamped trigger, long grip safety, arched checkered mainspring housing with lanyard loop, reinforced checkered grips, full blue "L" marked magazine and a replacement full blue barrel marked "G" on the bottom, "COLT 45 AUTO" on the bottom left, and "P" on the lug. Provenance: The Steven Preston Military Collection

Fine, retains 50% plus of the much faded original parkerized finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, primarily on edges and the grip straps, and a light takedown mark. The grips are very good with a few minor flat spots and blemishes, and otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.