This pistol falls within a large block of Colt Government Model pistols shipped to the British Ministry of Shipping in late-1918 to early-1919, just prior to or right after the conclusion of World War I. Many of these pistols, like this example, were initially issued to Royal Air Force personnel before many were reissued in 1942 to Royal Navy sea/air rescue units. The left side of the slide has the Rampant Colt between the patent dates and Colt address, each in two lines. while the right is marked with the .455 caliber marking. The right of the frame has the Government Model marking over the "W" prefixed serial number. British military proofs are visible on multiple parts, as well as "R.A.F." and a "broad arrow" on the left of the frame. The barrel has the lip on the underside and a polished chamber and is marked "W/P" on the bottom. The pistol is fitted with fixed blade and notch sights, diamond pattern checkered grips, and a two-tone magazine with "CAL.455/ELEY" and a lanyard ring on the base. Provenance: The Mel Raucher Collection

Very fine, retains 90% of the period, arsenal refurbished blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, most noticeably on the mainspring housing and leading edges of the slide. The grips are very good with some scattered minor dings and extensive wear. Mechanically excellent.