Excellent looking pistol and an excellent find.
Did you happen to receive (either with the pistol or through your own contact with Colt) the historian's letter to verify its original owner, be it a Canadian Contract 1911, or purchased personally by Lt. Col. Bent? Does the unit have any records of what serial number was on the CO's pistol at that time, or is it a leap of faith based on the grips and the pistol being the correct vintage?
I can't tell from the pictures, but is the barrel hood polished? It appears to be a M1911 barrel in the pictures.
If you don't mind me asking, what did you pay for it? I know Jason's prices are usually more than reasonable.
I sincerely hope the unit isn't planning on deactivating the pistol when they receive it. It would be a crime to destroy the functionality, originality and value of such an important piece of Canadian Military history, especially one which can actually be owned by the average private collector (vs. being a prohib that many of us are not fortunate enough to be licensed for). I think we can all agree that it is a very sad occurrence when a piece of history is destroyed, especially if it is in the interest of greed or profit. My hat truly goes off to you for making the donation.
-Adam