In 97% very sharp and 100% Factory Original Condition, we have a 1919 Production Colt model 1911 Government Model .45 Pistol that was shipped to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis Maryland on May 22, 1919 according to the Colt Factory Letter. This is one of 36 Pistols in that shipment to the Academy. The bore is in excellent condition, and this is a prime example of an immediate post WWI commercial production Colt.
The question as to why these pistols were shipped to the Academy has never been answered to any certainty. Some believe that they were purchased by Graduating Midshipmen through the academy however based upon our research into this matter we do not feel this to be the case. Based upon our research into this matter and after examining available shipping records of 1911 Pistols sent by Colt to the academy from 1912 through 1920, it is almost certain that they were obtained directly for academy use in training and marksmanship of the cadets. Naval issued handguns were always in short supply so it was probably much easier to simply order these directly from Colt. As you might well imagine any Colt pistol with a Naval Academy Association will be extremely desirable to collectors and will command a substantial premium and make a solid blue ship investment as well.
