GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
EXTREMELY RARE DOCUMENTED COLT MODEL 1907 US ARMY TEST PISTOL.COLT1907185.45 ACPMODERN; C&RCal. .45 ACP. 5" bbl, blue finish, checkered walnut grips. This is one of 205 of this model manufactured for field trials by the U.S. Army in 1908. The left front trigger guard bow bears the initials "K.M." which is the inspection mark of Maj. Kenneth Morton. This mark identifies the test pistols. The pistols were delivered to the Springfield Armory on March 17, 1908. On March 20th, 1908 the pistols were issued to the following units and organizations; 65 to Troop K, 10th Cavalry, Fort William McKinley, Philippines Division, 65 to Troop H, 4th Cavalry, Fort Snelling, Minnesota, 65 to Troop H, 2nd Cavalry, Fort Des Moines, Iowa, and 5 to the School Musketry, Presidio of Monterey, CA. These pistols were subjected to severe field testing and were modified in 1909 as a result of these tests. The modifications were to the ejection port and to the hammer. Pistol #185 shows these modifications. Pistol shows standard markings on either side of the slide with no apparent proof marks. Slide has loaded chamber indicator on upper left side. The frame shows a clearly struck SN #185 on the left side above the trigger bow which shows "K.M." inspector mark. No other inspector marks are apparent. Bottom of grip frame has a lanyard loop attached on left side. Rear of frame mounts a grip safety devise patented by Ehbets & Tansley. Features of both patents, one a sear block and the other a firing pin withdrawal mechanism, were incorporated into the final product. The magazine is unique to this model with a spring catch at the rear. Checkered walnut grips are deeply carved "HXH" on the inside. The SN of this pistol is documented on pg 83 of U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1892 - 1920 by Edward Scott Meadows, as a surviving example of the model 1907 pistol. PROVENANCE: Recorded in Meadows book pg 83. CONDITION: Very good for this model. Slide shows an even gray/brown patina overall with evidence of cleaning, marking on left side of slide is visible but is worn on the bottom half, some light pitting is present on the upper left side of slide. Standard marking on right side of slide is only barely visible as a result of heavy cleaning. Sights show high point wear. Bbl retains 80% blue finish with a dark bore that shows strong rifling. Frame shows an even plum/brown patina overall with handling marks and scratches overall. All markings are clearly struck. Trigger retains 20% fire blue in protected areas. Hammer is a gray/brown patina. Grip safety shows fire blue in protected areas. Magazine is an even gray/brown patina with scratches and abrasions consistent with its use. Grips are good with numerous small mars and dents overall commensurate with the testing that the pistol was subjected to. "HXH" is deeply carved on the inside of each grip, could possibly be a company "H" connection as these pistols were issued to 2 "H" companies. SN #185 is one of only 66 of the documented surviving examples of the model 1907 pistol and would be a wonderful addition to any collection of early Colt Automatics. 49616-9 TEP (10,000-15,000)