Lot 1661: Rare U.S. Trials Colt Model 1907 Army Contract Semi-Automatic Pi

A rare unaltered grip safety variant example of one of the 200 Model 1907 pistols purchased by the Army for troop trials with the U.S. Cavalry. This pistol, serial number 167, was issued to Troop H, 4th Cavalry, at Ft. Snelling, Minnesota. On March 28, 1909, at the conclusion of the trials, the troop commander, 1st Lieutenant C. Burnett reported: "The pistol, in its present form, is not considered a desirable arm for mounted troops.". In an effort to remedy some of the problems that were reported during the cavalry troop trials, 101 of the Model 1907 pistols were modified by Colt by replacing the hammer, adding a spur to the grip safety and enlarging the ejection port. The modified pistols were re-issued for testing. This pistol was not modified and remains in the original configuration that it was issued to the 4th Cavalry at Ft. Snelling. The pistol is blued and has finely checkered walnut stocks with small diamonds surrounding the brass grip screw escutcheons. The pistol has the first pattern hammer, checkered grip safety with no spur and unaltered ejection port. The U.S. Army Ordnance Inspector's initials "K.M." (Capt. Kenneth Morton) are stamped on the left side of the trigger guard bow. The serial number, "167" is stamped on the left side of the frame above the trigger guard bow. The left side of the slide is roll-stamped: "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." in a two line block. The right side of the side is roll-stamped: AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 45 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" in two lines in front of the ejection port. The seven-round magazine has a full blue finish. The Colt M1907 Army Pistol was a key step in the development of the Colt Model 1911.

Period refinished. The markings on both sides the slide are light and the sides of the slide show scattered pitting. The left side of the frame has a strong serial number and clear "K.M." Ordnance inspection mark. The barrel has been polished bright. The bore has strong rifling. The walnut grips are in fine condition with the original finish and sharp checkering. The magazine has been re-finished and is in good condition. The pistol presents a very good appearance. The Colt Model 1907 Army Contract Pistol is desirable in any condition and is a key piece in any Colt or U.S. military automatic pistol collection.