This is an excellent example of a World War I U.S. Colt Model 1917 revolver that stands in a league of its own in terms of rarity, accompanied by an included original "STATEMENT OF ORDNANCE STORES PURCHASED" document, dated December 4th, 1918, with this revolver listed by serial number as sold out of the Ordnance Depot at Camp Meade in Maryland to a Lieutenant B.E. Watters of the 32nd Field Artillery, and states below the listing with the revolver and accompanying items, "I certify that I have purchased the above articles from Captain Robert Sigmund, Ord. Dept., U.S.A., that I have paid for them the sum of seventeen dollars and seventy one cents (17.71) and that they are for personal use of Lt. B.E. Watters." The 32nd Field Artillery was constituted on July 5th, 1918 in the Army as Battery B, 32nd Field Artillery, an element of the 11th Division, organized on August 5th, 1918 at Camp George G. Meade, Maryland, and demobilized on December 13th, 1918 at Camp Meade, very shortly after the end of World War I and just in time for the purchase of this revolver by Lieutenant B.E. Watters. An included 2003 dated letter of email correspondence confirms this revolver as purchased by a previous owner from the wife of Lieutenant B.E. Watters and states, "...the Lt. was taken ill and passed away without ever firing the piece. His wife kept it all these years out of sentimental value and finally sold it to me approximately 12 years ago [1991]..." No further information has been found at this time directly relating to Lieutenant B.E. Watters. Two-line address and patent dates marked on top of the barrel, "COLT D.A. 45" marked on the left of the barrel, and "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" marked on the bottom of the barrel. Rampant Colt logo marked on the left side of the frame. The upper left side of the frame ahead of the hammer is marked with "eagle head/S18" and "eagle head/S20" inspection marks. "U.S./ARMY/MODEL/1917/No/106/915" marked on the butt. "244955" marked on the frame and crane. Fitted with smooth walnut grips and lanyard swivel on the butt. The revolver includes a factory box that is faintly hand numbered "106914" on the bottom, with the revolver wearing serial number "106915", (one digit off!) that has almost certainly accompanied the gun since day one. Also includes two half moon clips in the box. Provenance: The Steven Preston Military Collection

Excellent plus, as issued, retains 99% original blue finish with a few small patches of very light freckling, a faint drag line on the cylinder, and sharp markings and edges throughout. Grips are also excellent plus with some light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. This exceptional World War I U.S. Colt Model 1917 Army revolver sets itself apart in a league of its own with rare documentation as purchased by Lieutenant B.E. Watters right out of the Ordnance Depot at the end of World War I, and would make a fine addition to any U.S. Military collection!