Colt Government Model WWI British purchase

[mcg]

George,
Beautiful Government model and with a history, even better. I see the picture of the chamber area. I understand the Government were polished rather than blued,but I'm not familiar with the markings on the chamber, is that a inspection stamp or just something picked up in the last almost 100 yrs?
Mark

[pitsword]

Very nice, a treasure with that provenance.

[padredan]

the gun being shown is a comercial model , which was not an issued military pistol. Not a clue how a comercial model would end up being carried by a military officer when he would be issued one, i will include a few pictures of my 1917 1911 so you maybe able to compare between a comericial and military issue model.

[varifleman]

Originally Posted by padredan

the gun being shown is a comercial model , which was not an issued military pistol. Not a clue how a comercial model would end up being carried by a military officer when he would be issued one, i will include a few pictures of my 1917 1911 so you maybe able to compare between a comericial and military issue model.

Hello paderan; Most of the 4000-plus Colt Government Model pistols in .45 ACP shipped to Colt's London Armoury Agency during WWI were privately purchased by British and other officers. Winston Churchill owned Colt Government Model C15566 and carried it during his service in France when he commanded the 6th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers in 1916. I have a 1921 Government Model purchased by Lt/Maj H Michaels (as indicated on the 1944 Boyt holster which accompanied the pistol); as soon as I find the photos I'll post them. So apparently many Colt Government Models were purchased by British and U.S. officers and saw service in both World Wars. If anyone has a .455 Webley/Eley barrel I'm looking for one to restore my 1918 British contract RAF Government Model to original specs. P.S. Nice 1917 USGI 1911; any history on it? Thanks for the photos.

[varifleman]

Originally Posted by mcg

George,
Beautiful Government model and with a history, even better. I see the picture of the chamber area. I understand the Government were polished rather than blued,but I'm not familiar with the markings on the chamber, is that a inspection stamp or just something picked up in the last almost 100 yrs?
Mark

Hi mcg; the markings are London commercial proofs which were required on all pistols imported into the UK. These markings are per the Proof Rules of 1904 and were used from 1904-1925.