Description Early pre war U.S. Colt transitional period 1911A1 chambered in .45 ACP with one, seven round magazine marked “C-R” and a 5″ barrel. This 1911A1 is dated to 1937 with serial number 712013, making it part of the first order after a thirteen year gap from 1925 to 1936. The Ordnance Department ordered 2,349 pistols in total, 1,580 were for the Navy and 769 were for the Army. This pistol was designated to the Navy and was part of a shipment of 250 pistols that were sent to Springfield Armory on September 30, 1937, serial number range 711850-712099. This being a transitional piece has a slide that is stamped “MODEL OF 1911. U.S.ARMY”, with a 1911A1 frame with the improved features. Brush blued finish with brown checkered polymer stocks. The frame and slide are serial number matching, with a number on the right side of the frame, and under the firing pin stop on the slide. This practice started at serial 710001. The right side of the frame is also marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY”. “P” Proof mark stamped on the left side of the frame, and about 1/2″ forward of the rear sight. The left side of the trigger guard has a “W” proof and “VP” Verified Proof, while the right side of the trigger guard has “80” assemblers proof. “H” Inspection mark and “G” production order stamp on the top of the frame forward of the hammer. The slide features a shallow disconnector recess and tool steel recoil plate. The inside of the slide is stamped with class “C” steel. Oval profile front sight and U-shaped aperture rear sight. The left side of the slide has the Colt two line/two block patent marks with Rampant Colt logo in-between. The left side of the barrel is stamped “COLT 45 AUTO”, and has a “P” proof on the left lug. The top of the barrel chamber is bright and unfinished with the rest being blued. This information can be found in The included Colt Historical Letter, and pages 37-39 of “Collector’s Guide to Colt .45 Service Pistols Models of 1911 and 1911A1 Third Edition” by Charles W. Clawson. Must ship to a FFL or C&R holder. Condition: Good/Very good with 70%+ plus original blued finish. Shows general scattered scratches and contact marks. Some scattering of cleaned rust/pitting. High edge wear. Thinning on the contact points, mainly on the front strap. General wear on the internal/moving parts from operation. Light scratches/wear on the grips. Decent bore shows strong visible rifling, but also has spots of pitting in the grooves. Barrel Length: 5″ Serial: 712013 Manufacturer: COLT Year: 1937 Caliber: .45 ACP Model: 1911A1 Book# 03891