388

Scarce Documented Three Digit Serial Number Colt Model 1905 45 Caliber Semi-Automatic Pistol with Sl

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD
Scarce Documented Three Digit Serial Number Colt Model 1905 45 Caliber Semi-Automatic Pistol with Sl
This is an example of an early production slotted backstrap Colt Model 1905 45 Automatic Pistol with three digit serial number. Manufactured in 1906, the pistol has the high polish Colt commercial blue finish, casehardened round hammer and checkered walnut grips. The trigger, ejector and stock screws have a niter blue finish. The seven-shot magazine is blued and unmarked. This pistol also has the backstrap factory cut for a shoulder stock/holster and correctly fits into the serial number range (1 thru 1500) of the first of two groups of 1905s manufactured in this configuration. Less than 500 shoulder stocks were produced for the Model 1905. The right side of the slide is marked "AUTOMATIC COLT / CALIBRE 45 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" ahead of the ejection port. The opposite side of the slide is marked PATENTED / APR.20.1897.SEPT.9.1902.DEC.19.1905" followed by "COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO. / HARTFORD. CONN. U.S.A." ahead of the slide serrations. The encircled Rampant Colt trademark is located on the left side of the slide behind the serrations. The serial number "414" is located on the left side of the slide above the trigger guard bow. The final inspection mark "W" is stamped at the junction of the trigger guard and the frame and the Colt "VP/Triangle" proof mark is stamped on the upper left side of the trigger guard. The Model 1905 Pistol was the predecessor to the Colt Model 1911 Pistol. Produced for a short period and in limited numbers the Model 1905 Automatic is an essential piece for any advanced Colt or automatic pistol collection. The accompanying factory letter verifies the serial number, caliber, 5" barrel, blue finish with the grips "Not Listed" and that it was shipped as a one gun shipment to D.N. Walford, Washington, D.C. on April 17, 1906. (No information on the aforementioned individual). The letter also states in the remarks that the pistol was shipped with a combination stock and holster. (Now absent).
BBL: 5 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Colt Auto
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 414


Fine. The pistol retains 50% plus of the original blue finish with flaking on the left front and upper slide and an area of moderate pitting on the right side, front of the slide and right side, and bottom of the frame. The grip straps have a mottled brown patina with some minor oxidation. The barrel retains 90% original blue finish with wear on the high edge of the muzzle and thinning on the chamber area. Overall there are some scattered minor scratches and dings. The hammer shows most of the original case colors. The grips are fine with a few scattered minor bruises and dings, and crisp checkering. The right side slide markings are mostly covered by the pitting and the remaining markings are clear. A solid original example of a scarce three digit serial numbered Colt Model 1905 pistol made even scarcer with the factory slotted backstrap.