Manufactured in 1912, the first official year of production for the U.S. contract Colt Model 1911 pistol. It is listed on p. 514 of "U.S. Military Automatic Pistols: 1894-1920" by Meadows as being included in a 500 gun shipment to Springfield Armory on 11 September 1912. The serial number is marked on the right of the frame in the early forward location, where it remained until serial number 7501, and it has the "No" ("o" underlined) prefix which began with serial number 4501. The left side of the frame has the U.S. property marking and the "WGP" inspection mark. The later production replacement slide has the two-line, two-block patent dates and address on the left with the uncircled Rampant Colt behind the slide serrations and the model and army nomenclature on the right. These early pistols saw heavy use and it is likely that this slide was replaced sometime during its service life. The blued barrel is marked "3" on the bottom and "H" on the rear edge of the chamber hood. It has blade front and the correct early round-top notch rear sight which was phased out in 1913. It is fitted with the earlier pattern "modified first type" magazine catch that is normally only seen on pistols into the 4000 serial number range, a long smooth trigger, checkered slide release and thumb safety, short grip safety, wide checkered hammer, and a smooth straight mainspring housing with a lanyard loop on the base. The grips are diamond pattern checkered and the magazine is the early two-tone "keyhole" type with a lanyard loop on the base. Includes a U.S. M1912 leather holster marked "R.I.A./1911/T.G.C." on the back. Provenance: The Mel Raucher Collection

Fine, with the replacement slide and frame showing similar wear, suggesting they have been paired for quite some time, with both retaining 60% of their respective original finishes with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina. The grips are very good with some scattered minor handling marks, some mild wear at the bottoms, and otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine with some mild wear and separation of the seam in the muzzle area.