The End of the Beginning

[Gaff]

I have a couple of Dan Wesson V-Bobs, and was in my LGS looking at a full sized Valor Duty Coat Blem. I then asked the owner to see a SA GI M1911. I told him I keep looking for an "original" M1911 to add to the collection. "Well" says he, " if it's an original you are looking for, I just got an M1911-2011 reproduction in from Colt. The guy that ordered it back in August, August of 2011 that is, backed out of the order. So, it's available." Holy hollow-point! On order for 30+ months, and I walk in two days after it comes in, and I can buy it. One of four thousand special edition, circa 1913 Colt .45. High polish, dehorned, black army oxide finish, special roll marks "GOVERNMENT PROPERTY", S/N: 39XX1911, etc.

Unbelievable, for less than the Valor, I purchased the Anniversary Colt with period manual, take down "tool", two magazines, checkered double diamond walnut stocks, and a Colt walnut display case. I had a new pair of elephant ivory grips just waiting to be affixed to the "right" M1911. They now reside on this Colt. A perfect example of the "first" Model of 1911. The perfect beginning of my M1911 pistol timeline.

Here it is....