An excellent example of an early Colt commercial Model 1911 Government pistol shipped in January 1914. These early commercial Colts all have desirable high polish blue finish with checkered walnut grips. This example also has significant history with a WWII Army soldier, Paul Niederfringer. As documented in an email from his son, He was a machine gunner for the 1st Infantry and fought in The Battle of the Bulge. Speculatively, he was also an MP during the Nuremberg Trials. Auction includes a WWII era holster, a picture book, and several other pieces of Ephemera related to the gun. *C&R ELIGIBLE The left side of the slide has the early two line, two block Colt patent and address marking “PATENTED APR. 20. 1897/SEPT. 9.1902. DEC.19.1905. FEB.14.1911” and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD.CT.U.S.A.” all in the early font with a very prominent Rampant Colt behind the slide serrations. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE 45”, the right side of the frame is “GOVERNMENT MODEL” over the serial number “C 5523”. Includes the original early parts that consist of the early style rounded rear sight, checkered slide stop release, early 1914 thin pattern checkered thumb safety, wide checkered Colt hammer with the long smooth trigger and flat mainspring housing. The barrel is an early blue generally unmarked Colt commercial model. The is a faint “P” on the barrel near chamber area, and a “N” on the underside near the lug. Early diamond pattern checkered grips, and two tone blue magazine with lanyard loop on the bottom and lanyard loop on the frame heel. Condition: Antique Excellent! 80%+ of the original high polished blue finish overall showing wear and finish loss on the common areas with notable wear on the right side of slide from a leather holster. Springs have been replaced and the Originals are also included. The grips are in excellent condition. Function is excellent