1746

Extraordinary Original U.S. Navy Contract Colt 1900 "Sight Safety" Model Semi-Automatic Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:6,500.00 USD Estimated At:13,000.00 - 19,000.00 USD
Extraordinary Original U.S. Navy Contract Colt 1900  Sight Safety  Model Semi-Automatic Pistol
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This is just an extraordinary example of a scarce all original and documented Colt Model 1900 U.S. Navy contract sight safety Pistol. These pistols are rare and unique in original condition as they represent the 1900 U.S. Government contract of "automatic" pistols that was awarded to the Colt firearms company. These pistols have a very unique "sight safety", that blocks the hammer and they were chambered for the 38 Colt Auto Rimless, Smokeless caliber, both features were later changed/modified or dropped by the military, so original unaltered examples are very rare in this condition. This pistol is one of the original 250 Colt contract pistols that were shipped to the U.S. Navy in October 1900. These pistols were shipped in five lots, with this specific example being shipped in the third lot that was shipped out on Oct 29th, 1900, as listed on page 41 of U.S. MILITARY AUTOMATIC PISTOLS by Richard Ellis Publications/Edward S. Meadows. In this third shipment there were exactly 49 pistols shipped in total with all being shipped to the U.S. Government General Storekeeper, Navy Yard, Brooklyn New York. The right side of the pistol frame is marked with the Colt serial number "1106" with the Navy serial number "USN 106" on the left side. The right side of the slide is marked: "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" in two lines in front of the ejection port. The left side of the slide is marked: "BROWNING'S PATENT/PAT'D APRIL 20.1897" in a two-line block followed by "COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO/HARTFORD . CONN. U.S.A." in a second two-line block ahead of the slide serrations. A small circled Rampant Colt is stamped behind the slide serrations. A small Navy trident inspection mark is stamped on the right side of the trigger guard bow, with the Colt "VP/Triangle" proof mark on the left side, trigger guard bow. The magazine is correctly nickel plated with the floor plate correctly stamped: "PAT'D SEPT. 9. 1884". The metal parts feature that beautiful Colt high-polish, commercial blue finish, with nitre blued finish on the trigger and stock screws, with a color casehardened finish on the sight safety and hammer and it is fitted with plain walnut stocks.
BBL: 6 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 38 Colt auto
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 1106
Condition: Excellent condition with 98% plus of the bright original Colt high polished blue finish with minor high spot wear, showing typical minor light storage, scratches and nicks in the finish overall. The grips retain 95% of their original varnish finish with light wear in the center of the grips, both panels also showing the typical light pressure dents and handling marks. This is just an exceptional high condition, U.S. Navy contract Colt Model 1900 Sight Safety semi-automatic pistol. Don't miss out on this example as these are extremely rare in this original, truly exceptional condition.