This interesting pistol was likely manufactured by the Colt factory as a tool room or production demonstration piece. These pistols were often pulled from general production early in the process or sometimes assembled using parts that fell just short of quality control standards. These cutaway pistols were used to demonstrate the inner workings of the firearm, in this case, the legendary Model 1911 pistol. This example is quite interesting in that it bears no markings at all, showing that it was pulled from the production line early, prior to being blued/marked, likely for the sole purpose of becoming a cutaway. There are a total of 11 panels cut away on this pistol to show the internal workings, nine on the right side, one on the left, and one on the rear of the grip safety. The right grip panel is also absent and the magazine has a panel cut away in the right side to show its internal workings. Apart from the right grip and right grip screws, the only part that appears to be absent is the lanyard loop at the bottom of the mainspring housing.

Very good as configured as a factory style cutaway, retains strong traces of the original blue finish with the balance having turned to mostly a smooth grey-brown patina and a few scattered patches of light pitting. The remaining replacement grip panel (left) is fine with a few scattered minor handling marks and flat spots, and otherwise well-defined checkering. Mechanically fine as in demonstrative cutaway configuration. A very interesting piece to add to a Colt auto collection!