4/18/22 - This is a rare Colt M1911 that was issued to the U.S. Marine Corps in 1917. It's in the proper serial range for a small batch of 400 pistols that were shipped to the USMC at this time. There were only 5,000-6,000 total 1911's sent to the marines from 1912-18, notably fewer than the U.S. Navy. This particular gun shows notable thinning and patina throughout, with pitting on much of the slide and a little more on the lower edges of the frame. The finish appears original though the grip safety and frame safety may have been replaced, based off the incongruity in the finishes. Proper Colt barrel with disconnect 'P H' marking. The bore has good rifling but some frost and freckling through the grooves. The grips show smoothing but no cracks or chips. Period original two-tone magazine. Comes with a rare, original USMC-marked holster from WW1. It still has the belt attachment intact but the outer flap shows relocation of the hole for the stud. The holster shows notable cracking and age.
