Synopsis:

Very Scarce Documented Russian Contract Colt Government Model 1911 Pistol with Factory Letter!

Description:

The Russian Contract Colt Government Model pistols were ordered by the Imperial Russian government from Colt in 1917. When placing the order, the Government of Great Britain acted as an intermediary, using a line of credit established by the Russians and backed by hard gold reserves held in Britain to cover the bill. Britain's role as go-between is the source of the signature marking on the left side of the frame, "AH?? 3AKA3?" that translates to "ENGLISH ORDER". The Russian Contract pistols otherwise bore only standard Colt markings like this example. Russian Contract Government Model Colts are very rare on the American market in any condition, as they saw hard use through multiple conflicts and virtually none were ever exported by the Soviet Union. The left side of the slide has the two-line, two-block address and patent dates with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations and the caliber marking on the right side. The left side of the frame is marked with the aforementioned contract marking and "VP" and "y" on the trigger guard, with the model marking and serial number on the right. It is fitted with the standard blade and notch sights, long smooth trigger, wide checkered hammer, short grip safety, smooth mainspring housing, diamond pattern checkered grips, lanyard loop, and a two-tone magazine with lanyard loop base, this example numbered "455". The included factory letter confirms the current configuration (grips not listed) as well as shipment to the Government of Russia on 7 October 1917 in a 5,000 gun shipment.

Condition:

Largely a grey/brown pistol-that has been cleaned-with scattered etching, superficial pitting, and traces of original finish in protected areas. Comparable condition magazine and oil darkened grips with scattered handling marks. Dull bore with shallow but easily discernible rifling. Correct manual mechanics. An extraordinarily difficult to find Colt 1911, often considered a Holy Grail gun, desirable in any condition!