An original First World War U.S. military Colt M1911 pistol, manufactured by Colt's Manufacturing Company in Hartford, Connecticut. According to Colt records, this M1911 pistol was manufactured towards the end of 1917, shortly before the transition towards the more easily mass-produced 'Black Army' series of M1911 pistols. As such, this is part of the total figure of 487,714 pistols manufactured by Colt during the First World War. 

The left-hand side of the slide on this Colt is stamped with Colt's patent information. It also has the Colt maker's stamp with the text "COLT'S. PT. F.A. MFG. CO." and the famous 'Rampant Colt' stamp at the back near the hammer. The right-hand side of the slide bears the model designation, with the text "Model of 1911. U.S. Army" stamped into it. Additionally, the left-hand side of the frame also has the text "United States Property" and a small cartouche with the initials "GHS" inside it. These are the initials of Gilbert H. Stewart, an inspector with the United States Army Ordnance Corps.

This pistol retains its original but worn external finish, fitting for a service handgun that is almost 110 years old. The barrel is sharp and clean, presenting in great condition particularly for its age. This handgun is a phenomenal piece of First World War history!