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					Private collection Colt Model 1911A1 Transition Model Serial 
					Number 700001 - On June 12, 1923, Colt's was awarded the 
					contract to manufacture 10,000 "Improved Automatic Pistols" 
					to include the modifications that were approved on April 20, 
					1923.  These pistols were numbered from serial number 700001 
					to 710000.  This is the first of the 10,000 transition 
					models.  
					Close-up of left side slide markings.  WTG inspector's mark 
					is located above the magazine release.  
					MODIFICATIONS ADOPTED FOR THE AUTOMATIC PISTOL, CALIBER 
					.45 M1911 MODIFICATIONS A - Tang of Grip Safety Extended.B - Clearance Cut Made on Receiver.
 C - Mainspring Housing Knurled and Raised.
 D - Face of Trigger Knurled and Cut Back.
 E - Width of Front Sight Increased.
 Image from ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT. AUTOMATIC PISTOL, 
					CALIBER .45, MODEL OF 1911.Training Regulations 320-15. (1-2), War Department, 
					Washington, March 3, 1924.
  
					Close-up of serial number and United States Property mark on 
					the right side of the frame.  
					Slide is numbered 700001 to match the frame.  This was done 
					on only the earliest examples.  
					Colt assembler's mark number 20 on upper right flat of the 
					trigger guard.  
					Right profile.  Note "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY" marking on 
					the right side of the slide. Fully checkered walnut grips 
					(28 rows +/- 1 between screw holes)  
					WTG inspector's mark are the initials of Captain 
					Walter T. Gorton, Inspector of Ordnance from December 5, 
					1921 to March 3, 1926.  H and G on top of frame, 20 on right 
					trigger guard, H above firing pin stop plate, G inside 
					slide. |