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Outstanding Documented and Rare Colt Government Model French Contract Semi-Automatic Pistol with Col

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Hand Guns - Semiautomatic Handguns Start Price:3,250.00 USD Estimated At:6,500.00 - 11,000.00 USD
Outstanding Documented and Rare Colt Government Model French Contract Semi-Automatic Pistol with Col
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Outstanding Documented and Rare Colt Government Model French Contract Semi-Automatic Pistol with Colt Factory Letter

This is an excellent example of an exceptionally early and exceedingly rare Colt M1911 Government Model pistol that was sold to the French Government in 1915. This was probably a one-time procurement for a very small group of pistols that were intended to bolster the French Army at the outset of WWI. The Colt factory letter dated 1988 lists this pistol as one of 450 in this shipment, and was further documented/pictured in the book "Colt .45 Service Pistols" on pages 125-128, by Charles Clawson. The pistol conforms to the factory letter, showing the original early Colt high polish blue finish overall, with the diamond pattern checkered walnut grips. The left side of the slide has the standard Colt two line, two block factory patent and address markings with the uncircled Rampant Colt trademark located behind the slide serrations. The right slide is marked "COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE 45" in front of the ejection port. The right side of the frame is marked "GOVERNMENT MODEL" in Roman letters (serifs) over the serial number "C25049". The left upper side of the trigger guard bow is stamped with a Colt "VP" Verified Proof mark and a single letter "e" inspection mark on the lower rear section of the trigger guard. It still retains all the original early commercial parts such the early checkered thumb safety with thick thumb piece, second pattern checkered slide stop with the plunger groove, the short horned grip safety, and wide hammer spur and the flat main spring housing. It is fitted with an early Colt all blue barrel that has the polished chamber area with a single letter "P" stamped on the top of the chamber area. It is fitted with the correct early diamond checkered walnut grips. It is complete with one half-tone blue magazine with the lanyard loop on the base plate.

Manufucture: Colt
Model: Government
BBL: 5 inch round
Stock:
Guage: 45 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: C25049

Excellent with 98% plus of the original Colt factory blued finish overall, with just a hint of wear on the very front edge of the slide. The walnut grips are also excellent with sharp distinct checkering on both sides with one small pressure dent on the top right side on the upper edge of the diamond. This is truly an exceptionally rare pistol not only due to its condition but also since it is a very rare documented French contract Colt Government Model pistol.