The Model 1900 is very significant as Colt's first production automatic pistol and John M. Browning's first successful automatic pistol design. Colt only produced 3,500 of these pistols from 1900 to 1903. The pistol was manufactured in early 1900 and has the desirable early configuration with the unique rear sight/safety, sixteen gripping serrations on the rear of the slide and is fitted with smooth walnut grips, which is correct for the early Model 1900 pistols manufactured prior to mid 1900. The pistol had the high polish Colt commercial blue finish with niter blue barrel and trigger, casehardened rear sight and hammer and nickel seven round magazine marked "PAT' D SEPT 9 1884" on the base. 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 and the Rampant Colt logo is marked behind the slide serrations. The right side of the slide is marked: "AUTOMATIC COLT / CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" ahead of the ejection port. The serial number is located above the trigger guard bow on the left side of the frame. Of the 3,500 produced, about 250 were sold to the Army and Navy for field trials and the remaining 3,250 were sold commercially. The accompanying factory letter confirms the serial number, caliber, barrel length and finish with the grips as "Not Listed" and that it was shipped as 1 of 15 to Hartley & Graham, New York, N.Y. on May 7, 1900.

Excellent. The pistol retains approximately 97% of the original finish with several areas of minor flaking on the left side of the slide as well as at the muzzle. The areas that have flaked have some pin prick type pitting. There are a couple very small areas of minor oxidation on the front strap and there are overall minor handling marks. The barrel retains 98% original bright blue finish with some wear at the chamber from cycling the action. The grips have been freshened with a coat of varnish and remain excellent with only a few very minor handling marks. The markings remain sharp and clear. The action is excellent. If a collector just wanted to own one truly early American automatic pistol, this Colt Model 1900 Sight Safety serial number 81 would be the one.