Canadian Expeditionary Force Colt Government Model 1911 - With Factory Letter

Description

4/15/25 - This is a nice example of a rare, British-Contract Colt Government Model 1911 from 1914. Chambered in .45 ACP, not .455. According to the included Colt factory letter, it was shipped to the London Armoury Company on September 16, 1914, along with 50 other guns. There are British proofs at the back left of the slide and on the barrel (visible through the ejection port). It then ended up with the Canadian Expeditionary Force, as evidenced by the inscription on the front strap, "A. R. BALL, CANADIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE". We believe this to refer to Albert Ransome Ball, who helped lead the charge at the Battle of St. Julien but was mortally wounded that day. Overall, the gun has retained roughly 65-70% of its original high polish bluing with obvious honest spotty wear throughout. Fitted with excellent period-correct wood grips and comes with a proper magazine. Very nice bore with great rifling. https://www.ukphotoarchive.org.uk/de-ruvignys-roll-of-honour-vol-1-b/h73F4CD5E#h7d54ecad