July 30th 2016 Premier Firearms Sale (20)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/30/2016
6" barrel in .38 Automatic caliber. According to the Colt factory letter, this pistol was shipped to Springfield Armory on December 28th, 1900 in a 50 gun shipment that was the first order for an additional 200 pistols meant for Army testing. These are often referred to as the "Second Army Contract" pistols. These early pistols featured the rear sight safety, high spur hammer, straight front slide serrations, U.S. stamp on left trigger bow, round butt, checkered walnut grips, blue finish, and fire blue small parts. Due to short production, these are one of the most difficult to find of all U.S. martially marked semi-automatic pistols. There were 200 manufactured in the second contract. A total of 550 Model 1900s shipped to the Army and Navy in three separate orders. The serial number on this pistol is not listed as a survivor in Doug Sheldon's book on the Colt .38 Automatic. Of the original 550 pistols, many are known to have the sight safety altered making original surviving examples extremely scarce. This pistol does not bear the "R.A.C." stamp on right side. The grips are standard for a Second Contract. Comes with an original patent 1884 nickel magazine. Traces of case color on hammer. Fire blue still visible on trigger and screws. Legends are sharp. The sides of the slide and frame retain generous amounts of the original factory high polish blue finish with balance a blue-brown gun metal patina with age freckling. Grips are very good with some age stress cracks on left panel and right panel at top screws. Strong clean bore and perfect action. A fine, all original Colt Model 1900 U.S. Army semi-automatic pistol rarely, if ever, seen on today's market. These pistols were subsequently issued to U.S. Cavalry and Infantry units stationed in the Philippines, Cuba and Puerto Rico for testing in the field. Due to the harsh conditions for which these were tested, they are seldom found all original, let alone with any condition.