This is a unaltered Colt "Sight Safety" Model 1900 semi-automatic pistol that was manufactured in 1902. The Model 1900 was the very first Colt semi-automatic pistol produced, with only 3300 "Civilian" models being manufactured from 1900-1903. This pistol employed a unique mechanism in that the rear sight functioned as the safety. You would have the rear sight in the up position to fire it and push it down and it would function as a firing pin block. Although they proved to be a huge success because it demonstrated a very desirable technological upgrade (semi-automatic functioning), they were not well liked as the cartridge proved to have marginal stopping power. The right side of the slide is marked "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBER 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" and the left side is marked ""BROWNING'S PATENT" COLTS PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO./PAT'D APRIL 20. 1897. HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A." with the circled Rampant Colt on the rear portion of the slide behind the serrations. Casehardened flat spur hammer, niter blued trigger and magazine release. The magazine is nickel plated and is marked on the floorplate, PAT'D SEPT.91884. It is fitted with the standard Colt factory smooth walnut grips with the brass escutcheons. Slide number matches the frame.

Fine with 40% of the bright original blue remaining overall, showing an even general wear overall, with the wear being on the radius of the side of the slides, the front edges, with a larger spot of blue loss visible on the left side with the overall balance turning a brown patina. The frame shows wear on the back strap and the front grip strap. The markings are clear and sharp overall. The refurbished grips are very good with a nice even brown finish showing numerous light handling marks. The case colors have faded to a silvery hue. Mechanically fine.