Excellent, Boxed 1957 Colt Government 1911A1

Description

10/30/25 - This is an excellent example of a Colt Government Model 1911A1, manufactured in 1957 and chambered in .45 ACP. It comes with an original box (which is not numbered) and the original bill of sale from 1959. The gun has retained about 97% of its original bluing with a few tiny surface scratches here and there, and one more prominent scratch on the right side of the frame above the trigger. One very small patch of freckling on the left side of the frame above and slightly in front of the trigger guard. This example has a custom, more robust trigger inserted (easily removed), and was accurized by renowned 1950s gunsmith Chow. Fitted with correct reddish plastic grips. Near-mint bore. Comes with one proper magazine. From the collection of Robert Reed Kelley, Col, MD.  

Colonel Kelley was the practicing physician to Presidents Truman and Eisenhower, and was later offered the rank of General but turned it down as he wished to be a practicing doctor rather than be stuck behind a desk.  Kelley was living in San Francisco at the time that he began to build a collection of Colts and Smith & Wessons, and would practice target shooting at a range nearby after work every day.  He managed the Letterman Army Hospital, and while there, he became friends with all of the guards from San Quentin and Alcatraz prison, along with the Army guys from Benicia Arsenal.  He became known for his interests in these firearms, and accrued a beautiful collection of rare and exceptional pieces through these friendships.