This is a very scarce example of a U.S. marked, Colt Model 1900 "Sight Safety" semi-automatic pistol that was delivered in the second shipment of these rare early semi-automatic pistols. The Army purchased 200 of these early automatics that were delivered in two shipments. The first group used serial numbers of 90-150 and the second shipment fall into serial numbers of 1600-1750. This specific pistol is stamped on the left side of the frame with serial number, "1619", with the rare "U.S." property mark directly below that on the front left trigger guard bow. This model is discussed on pages 25-35 of the excellent reference book "U.S. Military Automatic Pistols, 1894-1920" by Scott Meadows. This rare pistol still retains its unaltered rear sight safety mechanism, sixteen milled grip serrations on either side of the slide, hammer with sharp bordered knurled spur, and nickel-plated seven-shot magazine. Originally these pistols had a Colt high polish, commercial blue finish on the metal parts with a fire blue trigger, pins, and screws and color casehardened rear sight and hammer, however this example has been carefully refinished. The slide still retains its original markings of "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" and on the left side "BROWNING'S PATENT/PAT'D APRIL 20, 1897", and "COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO./HARTFORD. CONN. U.S.A." The circled Rampant Colt trademark is stamped on the left rear side of the slide, very faint. Currently it is fitted with a set of unmarked walnut grips that have been heavily checkered in the middle area of each grip, with no final inspection cartouches visible. The magazine floor plate is roll-stamped: "PAT'D SEPT. 9. 1884".

Fine as period refurbished with 90% of the factory quality blue finish overall, with light wear on the edges and high spots. The markings are visible, but are faint. The grips are fine with the correct coarse checkering. The hammer retains 75% of its original subdued color casehardening. Mechanically fine. A highly sought after early U.S. Army Second Contract Colt Model 1900 sight safety model.