This Colt Service Model Ace was sold to the United States Government on factory order #5078 in a 745 gun shipment. It shipped to the Transportation Officer at Springfield Armory in Springfield Massachusetts Attn: Commanding General on September 18th, 1945.
This is a late production Service Model Ace that utilized Colt's Parko-Lubrite finish and the grips are moulded plastic. The front sight is fixed while the rear sight is adjustable.
This particular pistol was inspected by J.S.B. or John S. Begley. John Begley was a Civilian at the Springfield Ordnance District. He was the Army Inspector of Ordnance from July 15th, 1945 until December 5th, 1945. Due to the short period of time and timing with the end of WWII, not very many pistols with his mark have been observed.