SOLD - Rare USMC Colt Model 1911 - 1913 Mfg

Description

5/30/23 - This is a rare and original Colt Model 1911 that was issued to the U.S. Marine Corps in 1913. Only ~5,500 1911 pistols were procured by the Marines from 1912-1918, with only 1,250 of those being purchased in 1913. The left side of the frame is marked with the "WGP" inspection mark belonging to Major Walter G. Penfield. The slide is correctly marked with the Colt "pony" located behind the cocking serrations and lacks the final "1913" patent date which was not added until about May of 1914. The right side of the slide is marked "MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY" as is correct (the Marines didn't get specially marked pistols like the Navy did). It has the correct round-top rear sight and the narrow/tapered front sight, but the front sight has a minor ding in it. Other various small parts are also correct including the "short" hammer, early safety with sharp/thin thumbpiece, recoil spring guide with sharp legs, short radius firing pin retainer, etc. The barrel is correctly marked with the horizontally arranged "P H" over the chamber. The bluing on the pistol is original but shows notable thinning on the straps, as well as the front edges of the frame and along the top of the slide. Bore has strong rifling but a little frost and freckling in the grooves. Comes with rare Keyhole magazine. Also comes with the Colt archives letter which confirms it was sent to the USMC quartermaster in Philadelphia in July of 1913.