June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2017
This early Mdoel 1903 was shipped to Simmons Hardware in St. Louis on July 20th, 1903. According to the book "The Colt Pocket Hammerless Automatic Pistol II" but John Brunner, the very first gun, serial No. 6, was shipped on March 22nd, 1903, which indicates this gun was shipped during fifth month of actual production. Has factory blue finish and exhibits all of the early features to include the left side slide patent markings; early Brownings Patent April 20, 1897 which was used from serial No. 1 to 9999 (page 14); right slide marking "AUTOMATIC COLT CALIBRE 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS"; first type (page 16); early pony in circle at rear left side slide (page 19); early first type barrel bushing (page 20); first type black composite grips with pony in circle at base and "Colt" with scalloped edges (page 20); first style fully blued seven hole original magazine with plate pinned to base (page 21); and first style sights (page 23). These are often referred to as the High Polish, as the pins, extractor, trigger, and safety are finished in Nitre blue. Balance of gun finished in standard early high polish royal blue finish. Frame retains approximately 85-90% original finish with high edge wear. Slide retains approximately 75% original finish; balance gun metal grey patina. Very good rifled bore with light frosting. Grips are near mint. One of the finest, all original, lowest serial number high polish Colt Model 1903 examples extant.