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WWI Era Colt Government Model .45 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Unique Mexican Permit Plate

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:900.00 USD Estimated At:1,800.00 - 2,500.00 USD
WWI Era Colt Government Model .45 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Unique Mexican Permit Plate
This Colt Government Model .45 Automatic Pistol was manufactured in 1917. The pistol has Colt commercial blue finish, barrel with polished chamber, two-piece checkered walnut stocks with diamond screw escutcheons and a full-blue, flat base, magazine. The right side of the frame is roll-stamped "GOVERNMENT MODEL/ c 96360" in two lines. The right side of the slide is roll-stamped: "COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE 45" in two lines ahead of the ejection port. The left side of the slide has the 1902-1913 patent dates in a two-line block followed by the two-line Hartford address with the Rampant Colt trademark behind the slide serrations. All of the markings have the early Roman (serifed) letters. The Colt triangle/"VP" proofmark is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard bow. The barrel is stamped with a "P" ahead of the lug. A "G" production order mark is stamped on the top of the frame behind the disconnector hole. A bright finished, 2 1/4-inch by 1/2-inch plate engraved: "C96360/PERMISION DE LLEVAR DURANTE/EL EXPEDICION AL INTERIOR/FED. PMTD. MEXICO 1920" is glued to the right side of the slide below the ejection port. The plate appears to be a Mexican ownership permit; civilian ownership of military caliber pistols was generally prohibited in Mexico.
BBL: 5 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 45 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut checkered
Serial Number: C96360


Very fine. The pistol retains 95% of the original commercial blue finish. Finish wear is primarily concentrated on the muzzle and upper edges of the slide and the mainspring housing. The barrel has the correct blue finish with polished chamber. The stocks are in excellent condition; two of the stock screws have moderate screwdriver battering. This is a very fine example of a 1917 production Colt Government Model Automatic Pistol with unusual Mexican civilian ownership permit plate.