The Colt was initially blued. They were parked as part of refurbishment well after WWI according to Wikipedia. Newe 1911s weren't parked until 1941 according to Clawson. Member OIF2 could possibly have info on this.
Got the Colt Archive letter and my pistol was 1 of 1350 shipped to the Commanding Officer Ordnance Depot Camp Cody Deming NM on 18 October 1918. Camp Cody, located on the northwest side of Deming, NM, was an army training camp for the National Guard units from North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Iowa. Soldiers received basic training there before leaving for the war in France.
my 1909 with reciept original owner folded up and put under grips. when he mustered out at ft bliss from cavalry he bought his sidearm with original holster i also have. caliber 45 colt.