All 5000 of the Colt .45ACP pistols purchased by the Canadian Government in 1914 were the commercial model (high-polish, oven blue,
checkered walnut grips.) Many of them (perhaps most) have no Canadian Government ownership markings because they were re-sold
to officers, who were indeed required to supply all of their own kit at personal expense.
Here's my 1914 Canadian-purchase Colt Government Model - which is actually the "correct" name for such commercial-production
pistols, in that time-frame at least, as "Model 1911" technically refers only to pistols made under the U.S. Government contract.
Admittedly, the Model 1911 name has become commonly applicable to all pistols of the design, but note that my Colt Authentication
Letter is careful to refer to it as a "Government Model" ....
My pistol was the personal sidearm of Major W.A. Mitchell, Canadian Army Service Corps, who served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force
at the Front in The Great War. I have acquired a copy of his entire C.E.F. service file from the National Archives - a copy of his
"Attestation Paper" is attached. The original leather holster which came with the pistol is marked "MAJ. W.A. Mitchell, O.C.
(i.e. Officer Commanding) No. 5 COY, 2nd DIV. Train, C.E.F." - the first highlighted entry on the attached page from the War Diary
for the Divisional Train of the 2nd Canadian Division records his transfer to command of No. 5 Company, from command of No. 8 Company,
and the second highlighted entry records his being made President of what I assume was the combined Officer's Mess for the area (G.F.O.M.
- General Forces Officer's Mess perhaps?) The first part of the entry for July 10 on the same page is rather interesting, also.
checkered walnut grips.) Many of them (perhaps most) have no Canadian Government ownership markings because they were re-sold
to officers, who were indeed required to supply all of their own kit at personal expense.
Here's my 1914 Canadian-purchase Colt Government Model - which is actually the "correct" name for such commercial-production
pistols, in that time-frame at least, as "Model 1911" technically refers only to pistols made under the U.S. Government contract.
Admittedly, the Model 1911 name has become commonly applicable to all pistols of the design, but note that my Colt Authentication
Letter is careful to refer to it as a "Government Model" ....
My pistol was the personal sidearm of Major W.A. Mitchell, Canadian Army Service Corps, who served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force
at the Front in The Great War. I have acquired a copy of his entire C.E.F. service file from the National Archives - a copy of his
"Attestation Paper" is attached. The original leather holster which came with the pistol is marked "MAJ. W.A. Mitchell, O.C.
(i.e. Officer Commanding) No. 5 COY, 2nd DIV. Train, C.E.F." - the first highlighted entry on the attached page from the War Diary
for the Divisional Train of the 2nd Canadian Division records his transfer to command of No. 5 Company, from command of No. 8 Company,
and the second highlighted entry records his being made President of what I assume was the combined Officer's Mess for the area (G.F.O.M.
- General Forces Officer's Mess perhaps?) The first part of the entry for July 10 on the same page is rather interesting, also.
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