Canadian WW1 Colt Government .45
 

Colt Government . 45
Serial No; C-5408
1 Lanyard Ring Magazine
Colt Factory Letter

In September 1914, the Canadian Government began purchase of 5000
Colt .45's for Canada's Armed Forces. They chose the Commercial Model for political reasons, as I guess they didn't want pistols marked "U.S. Army Model of 1911". The serial number range began at C-3000, and was not consecutive, so I assume mine was amongst the first 1000 smuggled across the border, again for political reasons, I'm sure. I'm told another 1000 were also smuggled & the remaining 3000 shipped conventionally, but I'm not sure when.

The M1911 collectors here will note that this pistol was reworked sometime between the wars, as it has the following upgrades:

1. Arched mainspring housing
2. Checkered short trigger
3. Large front & rear sights

I'm told that happened to a lot of these pistols & I'm also advised not to try & replace the parts, by the Colt Colector, who wants to buy this pistol when I decide to sell it. It would be impossible to find parts matching the finish is his reasoning.

As this is my first post, let's hope my photos come through.:D

Photo #2

Photo #3

Colt Letter