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Shown is Colt M1911 No. 897, one of the very earliest production Navy pistols. This example was included in the very first production run and shipment of 500 guns to the U.S. Navy in 1912 beginning at serial no. 500. Early 3-digit serial numbered Navy M1911's are vanishingly rare (only 500 produced, No. 500-999 inclusive), and thus are true relics that are highly prized by collectors. Not even the most advanced collections have an original 3-digit Navy, much less one in this condition. God only knows how many remain in existence this day. |
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No. 897 has features of early M1911's, including "fine-wire" font markings, 1911 patent date on slide, serial number located on right front of receiver, circled rampant Colt logo, rounded rear site, and early type magazine catch. The main- spring housing pin is rounded both ends and the grip screws are of the early thin headed variety. A serified (Roman) H is present on top of the frame (12 o' clock to the disconnector hole), on the rear of the slide above the firing pin stop, and on the rear hood of the original barrel. The pistol's finish is a moderately reflective, polished dull blue and there is only a trace of fire (nitre) blue in some of the small parts (rear sight, thumb safety). Fine surface milling lines are apparent up close (but not as pronounced as the later "brush blue" finish of post-2400 M1911's). This color schema is not usually expected in the early M1911's up to serial number 2400 which generally have a highly polished, mirror finish highlighted by bright fire (nitre) blue small components (see No. 90 for example). However, this collector has so far observed 4 original condition 3-digit M1911 Navy pistols, and all of them have displayed the polished dull blue finish exemplified here. Update: I now have information on 8 3-digit early Navy pistols all of which have the dull blue finish without fire blue parts. |
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Nevertheless, the finish is still quite reflective and challenging to photograph, requiring use of light diffusers to attenuate glare. The photographs shown hardly do this gun justice, as the image appreciated by the naked eye is much more brilliant, deep, and striking. |
Note: No. 897 was issued to Captain Earl Wilberg and appears on Sam Lisker's coltautos.com website. |
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