Description U.S. Colt 1911 Transitional Model chambered in .45 ACP with one, seven round magazine and a 5″ barrel. Manufactured in 1924 with serial number 706911. Starting on September 15, 1920 The Ordnance Department began the first proposed improvements to the 1911 design. After around two and a half years of debate and proposals the final improvements would be approved on April 20, 1923, in OCM Item 2890. At the time these pistols were designated “Improved Model of 1911”. These pistols retained the name of 1911 and were ordered three years before the designation was changed to 1911A1. These transition models bore the name and finish of a 1911 but featured many of the early improved features of a 1911A1. Such as shortened and knurled trigger, extended tang/grip safety, humped and knurled mainspring housing, finger clearance cut on the frame, and wider front sight. Springfield Armory awarded the contract of these pistols to Colt on June 12, 1923. The contract was for 10,000 pistols serialized between 700001 and 710000, with 709001 to 710000 being National Match pistols. Springfield Armory received the first delivery of these pistols in January 23, 1924, with the final shipment being delivered on July 25, 1924. Much of this information and more can be found on Pg 33-34 of “Collector’s Guide to Colt .45 Service Pistols Models of 1911 and 1911a1 Third Edition” by Charles W. Clawson. This pistol features a blued steel frame with checkered wood grips. The left side of the frame is marked with WTG (Walter T. Gordon, Captain) circular monogram inspector mark. The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY”, “No 706911”. The right side of the trigger guard is marked with “60” assembler’s mark. The top of the frame above the disconnector hole is marked “H” and the right side is marked “G”. Blued serrated slide with fixed iron sights. The left side of the slide is stamped with the two-line, two block, address and patent markings with Rampant Colt in-between. The right side of the slide is marked “MODEL OF 1911.U.SARMY”. The barrel appears to be replaced, it is a Springfield Armory barrel with “S” over “P” markings on the left side of the lug. The magazine is blued and appears to be unmarked. Condition: Good/Very good with scratches, high edge wear, contact marks, and general cosmetic handling wear. Spots of wear and finish thinning on the internal/moving parts. Spots of finish thinning mainly on the contact points (front/backstrap) and around the muzzle. Some light spots of patina and faint metal oxidation. Light wear and discoloration on the grips. The bore is bright and clean with strong visible rifling. Barrel Length: 5″ Serial: 706911 Manufacturer: COLT Year: 1924 Caliber: .45 ACP Model: 1911 Book# 08477