Manufactured in 1917 and shipped to Springfield Armory on 6 July of the same year, just a few months after the United States declared war on Germany. The left side of the slide has the standard two-line, two-block patent dates and address, with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations, and the standard model/Army nomenclature on the right. The serial number is marked on the right of the frame, and the U.S. property marking is on the left along with the "GHS" inspection mark. The full blue barrel is marked "PH" on the chamber, "5" on the bottom, and "J" on the left of the lug. It is fitted with blade and notch sights, checkered slid release, thumb safety, and wide hammer, short grip safety, a smooth flat mainspring housing with lanyard loop on the base, diamond pattern checkered grips, and a two-tone magazine with lanyard loop base. Provenance: The Mel Raucher Collection

Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to a smooth grey patina, primarily on the mainspring housing and some high spots, typical of holster wear, and a few light takedown marks. The grips are also very fine with some scattered light blemishes in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.