Produced from 1902 to 1908, this pistol was manufactured in 1907 and is featured on the bottom of page 71 of Douglas G. Shelton's book, "A Collector's Guide to Colt's .38 Automatic Pistols" - with handwritten and signed note from the author on page 70 stating that he once owned this specimen and knew of only two better of this variation. This is an outstanding conditioned example of a late production Colt Model 1902 Sporting Automatic Pistol, chambered for the Colt .38 rimless/smokeless cartridge. The pistol has the blue Colt commercial finish with casehardened, rounded hammer and is fitted with checkered black hard rubber grips decorated with "COLT" in a ribbon at the top and the encircled Rampant Colt trademark in the center. The pistol has the distinctive rounded butt, round hammer, no lanyard ring and fully blued seven shot magazine, characteristic of the Model 1902 Sporting model. The slide is fitted with a rounded rear sight and has the grip serrations on the rear of the slide. The left side of the slide is marked in two lines, with two blocks; "PATENTED / APR. 20. 1897. SEPT. 9. 1902.", with the second block; "COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO. / HARTFORD. CONN. U.S.A." with the Rampant Colt trademark at the rear of the slide. The right side of the slide is marked: "AUTOMATIC COLT / CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS". The serial number "10437" is located on the left side of the frame above the trigger guard. The Colt "VP" proofmark is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard bow.

Excellent, with approximately 95-97% bright original high polished blue finish. There is some minor edge wear and overall scattered minor to moderate handling marks (mainly concentrated on the slide and underside of the barrel), with some minor thinning at the muzzle and rear grip strap. The grips are in excellent/near condition with only the slightest of handling marks. Mechanically excellent, with clear markings. The book is also in excellent condition.