3501

Extremely Rare Un-Modified Colt Army Contract of 1907, Semi-Automatic Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:0.00 USD Estimated At:14,000.00 - 22,500.00 USD
Extremely Rare Un-Modified Colt Army Contract of 1907, Semi-Automatic Pistol
A rare example of the one of the 205 Colt pistols manufactured under the Army Contract of 1907 for field trials. This pistol, serial number 133, was shipped from Colt to the Springfield Armory on March 17, 1908 and was one of 65 pistols issued to Troop H, 4th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. (The consignor is from Minnesota). Factory records (photocopy included) confirm the shipping date and address, as well as the special Government features. The pistol has the Colt high polish commercial blue finish, niter blue trigger and small components, casehardened hammer and checkered walnut grips with small diamonds surrounding the screw escutcheons. The magazine has a full blue finish with unmarked base. The right side of the slide is roll-stamped "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 45 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" in two lines, and the left side is marked: "PATENTED/APR. 20, 1897. SEPT.9.1902. DEC.19.1905." in two lines followed by "COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO./HARTFORD. CONN. U.S.A." The serial number "133" is located on the left side of the frame above the trigger guard bow, which has the initials of Ordnance inspector "K.M." (Major Kenneth Morton). As a result of the 1907's performance at the field trials, all but 60 of the pistols were upgraded to account for the soldier's complaints, a line of experimentation that led directly to the Model 1911 pistol. In "COLT .45 SERVICE PISTOLS" by Charles Clawson, the modified pistols are listed by serial number; this pistol, No. 133, is not on the list and is one of the 60 un-modified Model 1907 Contract Pistols. Un-modified Model 1907 Contract Pistols are extremely rare. With an October 1918 dated Mills brown canvas magazine pouch.
BBL: 5 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 45 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 133
Condition: Very fine, totally original and unmodified. The pistol retains 50% of the original high polish blue finish on the frame and protected areas of the slide, with a mixed brown and gray patina on the slide and gripstraps, bright edge wear, and some dents concentrated on the gripstraps. Approximately 40% of the fiery niter blue finish remains on the trigger an other small components. Strong traces of original case color remain on the sides and rear of the hammer. The magazine has a dull, blue-gray patina. The grips are in fine original condition with light-moderate wear on the checkering. Markings are crisp. This is a fine example of one of the very few existing Army Contract of 1907 pistols that was not modified by Colt following the 1908 Army field trials.