This extraordinary example of an extremely early production, two digit serialized, U.S. Colt Model 1911 semi-automatic pistol undoubtedly would be the "holy grail" of any collection. The slide has the standard two-line, two-block Colt markings along with a circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations on the left side and “MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY” on the right side. The frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” (correctly in large font as seen on serial numbers 1 to about 83) and has the circled “WGP” proof of Major Walter G. Penfield above the magazine release on the left side. The early production serial stamping (“No. 81”) is on the right side of the frame. The pistol retains correct original parts such as the Type I magazine catch lock, short hammer with standard checkered pattern prior to mid-1918, thin thumb safety, flat mainspring housing, checkered slide stop and diamond pattern checkered walnut grips. Note the early larger sized hand-checkering on the slide stop and safety lock which was only used on the first 150 pistols. After approximately serial number 150, Colt introduced the "machine checkered" pattern, which became standard on all Model 1911s. It has a correct two-tone magazine with exposed base edge and lanyard loop as issued to Model 1911s through serial number 4500. As found on the first Colt Model 1911s, this pistol has the correct lustrous high polish Colt commercial blue finish along with niter blue finish small parts such as the hammer, trigger, slide stop, and stock screws. The high polish finish was replaced by the military "dull finish" blue at approximately serial number 2400 on April 24, 1912. The pistol was issued to West Point graduate Adjutant General Lutz Wahl (1869-1928) and has remained in the Wahl family until now. General Wahl was a West Point class of 1891 graduate and a 1916 and 1921 graduate of the Army War College. His first combat experiences were during the Philippine Insurrection, participating in military operations in the Philippines in 1899 and 1900 and again in 1905-1906. One of his early commendations was a recommendation for brevet captain "for gallantry under fire at Guadeloupe Ridge and Zapote River, P.I." By all accounts Wahl was “a model American citizen,” serving his country with great honor and distinction. During and immediately following the Pancho Villa Expedition, he was stationed on border control duty at Eagle Pass, Texas, across the border from Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. This was an important border crossing and was used by the U.S. to support the Carrancista forces fighting Villa and U.S. troops defending the border. Wahl commanded the 58th Infantry from August 6, 1917 to February 1, 1918, was Chief of the Operations Section, General Staffs, War Department from February 4, 1918 to May 12, 1918, and again displayed exceptional leadership abilities while commanding the 14th Infantry Brigade in training as well as in combat operations in France during the First World War from May 19, 1918 to November 3, 1919. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for “demonstrating leadership of a high order, untiring energy, and sound judgement.” The 14th Infantry Brigade was activated on December 6, 1917 at Camp Wheeler, Georgia, was deployed to Europe as part of the American Expeditionary Force participating in World War I, saw action against German forces at Saint-Mihiel and near the Moselle River, was preparing to attack on the Hindenburg Line at the time the armistice was signed, and suffered 1,988 casualties after serving 33 days on the front lines. At his untimely death at the early age of 59 in 1928, Wahl was serving as Major General, Adjutant General, Washington D.C. He received the Distinguished Service Medal for his WWI service. The citation reads: "For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services in a position of great responsibility. In Command of the 58th Infantry, 4th Division, from 6 August 1917 to 1 February 1918, General Wahl demonstrated leadership of a high order, untiring energy, and sound judgment. As Chief of the Operations Section, General Staff, War Department from 4 February 1918 to 12 May 1918, he displayed rare professional attainments, initiating and developing many valuable ideas in the organization of the Operations Section. As Brigadier General Commanding the 14th Infantry Brigade, 7th Division, from 19 May 1918 to 3 November 1919, he again displayed unusual gifts of organization, leadership, and tactical judgment, both during the period of organization and training of his Brigade, as well as in combat operations in France." The pistol was likely his sidearm while in Texas and fighting in France. His son, George Douglas Wahl, fought in both World Wars and rose to the rank of Brigadier General in the Field Artillery. Biographical information associated with Wahl is included as well as his campaign service medals (Spanish War Service Medal, Philippine Campaign Medal, Mexican Border Service Medal, and World War I Victory Medal with Defensive Sector bar), two military portrait photographs of Wahl, and his 24 1/2x18 inch one star general's flag.

Excellent, retaining 95% bright original high polish blue finish with extremely minor edge wear. The rear mainspring housing is slightly thinning. The small parts retain 97% bright original niter blue. The grips are very fine with a series of dings near the bottom (left panel), otherwise scattered minor handling marks and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. A highly desirable, high condition two digit serialized U.S. Army Colt Model 1911 pistol linked to Distinguished Service Medal recipient Adjutant General Lutz Wahl that will be a centerpiece to any U.S. military, Colt, or Model 1911 collection. This is the finest example of a two digit U.S. Colt Model 1911 that we have ever offered!