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, (about 3,250 for civilian sales). The pistol was manufactured in 1901 and has the unique rear sight/safety, sixteen gripping serrations on the front of the slide and smooth walnut grips. The pistol has the high polish Colt commercial blue finish with niter blue barrel and trigger, casehardened rear sight and hammer and blue seven round magazine marked "PAT'D SEPT. 9, 1884" on the bottom. 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. The circled Rampant Colt trademark is located at the rear of the slide. 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. The accompanying factory letter confirms the serial number, caliber, barrel length, finish with grips as "Not Listed" and that it was shipped as 1 of 6 to The George Tritch Hardware Company, Denver, Colorado on April 22,1901.

Very good plus. The sides of the frame show strong (approximately 20%) original finish in the protected areas along the edge of the slide and around the grip panels. The remaining metal surfaces have a smooth mottled gray patina. The barrel retains most of the original finish showing wear on the muzzle and chamber area. The grips are good with a few minor dings and a hand rubbed patina. The markings are clear. Mechanically excellent. This is a solid representation of an original Sight Safety Colt Model 1900.