1917 Colt Government Model 1911 .45ACP *Collector Grade! w/ Colt Letter!

If you are a vintage Colt handgun collector who appreciates early World War 1 pistols in pristine ‘collector-grade’ condition, then you will want to take a very close look at this amazing specimen!

‘Dirty Harry’ is very proud to offer you this amazing 1917 Colt Commercial Government Model .45ACP Automatic Pistol. This is the finest WW1-era Colt pistol that I have ever seen in my life, period! Manufactured in 1917 during World War I for commercial sale, Colt was able to continue commercial production alongside its military obligations, producing Government Models alongside the Model 1911. While serial number records show approximately 22,000 Government Models produced in 1917, those numbers include Colt's foreign contracts, so significantly fewer were available for the American market. Features include: fixed sights, the two-line, two-block address and patent markings on the left side of the slide w/ the Rampant Colt behind the serrations, and ‘COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE 45’ ahead of the ejection port. Other markings include: ‘GOVERNMENT MODEL’ over the serial number, with the ‘VP’ Verified Proof and the inspection mark on the left side of the trigger guard. It was fitted w/ a wide checkered hammer, long smooth trigger, short grip safety, smooth flat mainspring housing w/ lanyard ring, checkered grips, and a 2-tone magazine.

This outstanding example, serial # C 94655, was shipped to Fair Haven Rifle Club in New Haven, Connecticut, on April 24, 1917. It is blatantly obvious that this pistol has been meticulously cared for since new, and I was told that it had been in a very high-end Colt collection the the past several decades. Overall condition is simply incredible for its age, and I would rate it conservatively @ 97%-98%. Again, I have never had the pleasure of seeing an 108-year-old pistol in such outstanding original condition. The 100% original blue finish is still bright & shiny w/ only a few spots of freckling that are very hard to see. The factory original double-diamond checkered wood stocks are in excellent condition as well w/ no chips or cracks whatsoever, and only a few dark spots. Also included is the original two-tone magazine. This pistol is truly exceptional in every way, period.

It comes in a new ‘reproduction’ box w/ end labels and serial number on the bottom in pencil. Also included is the 'Colt Archives' letter.

Again, if you are a serious Colt collector who is always searching for the most pristine original examples that can be found, you will want to look very closely at this gorgeous 1917 Colt Commercial Government Model 1911 .45ACP pistol!