Prototype Colt Model 1910 Semi-Automatic Pistol. Colt manufactured between 12 and 13 of these extremely rare pistols as the direct predecessor in the development of the Model 1911 Automatic Pistol. The pistol has a high-polish commercial blue finish with casehardened hammer, grip safety and main spring housing. The rear sight, slide lock, trigger, and other small components have a fiery, niter blue finish. The walnut stocks have rounded tops with fine checkering, small diamonds surrounding the brass screw escutcheons and small stock screws. The pistol has a flat-sided spur hammer with bordered knurling. The pistol lacks the thumb safety incorporated on the Model 1910 Special Army pistol. The barrel lugs extend completely around the barrel. The pistol is internally serial numbered with "11" stamped on the top of the frame to the right of the disconnector hole. The right side of the slide is roll-stamped: "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 45 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" in two lines. The left side of the slide is marked with "PATENTED/APR.20.1897.SEPT9.1902.DEC.19.1905" in two unequal lines followed by "COLT'S PT. F.A.MFG. CO./HARTFORD,CT. U.S.A." in two lines. (The serial number "11" is the only marking on the frame internally, near the disconnector slot). Colt shipping records published on page 234 of "THE GOVERNEMNT MODELS" by William Goddard show that Model of 1911 "Special Army" serial number 10 was shipped "With C.L.F Robinson to London on September 2, 1911 and that serial number 13 was shipped to Colt President Albert Foster Jr. on July 27, 1911. There are no records for the disposition of serial number 11. The Colt Model 1910 Automatic pistol is a key piece in the evolution of the Colt Model 1911pistol; it established the basic configuration for the successful Model 1911 adopted by the U.S. Army on May 5, 1911 which remained in service for nearly 80 years.

Very good. The pistol has been professionally restored to nearly new condition. The restoration includes several components that were newly manufactured to the original specifications. The pistol retains 98% of the high polish blue finish. Nearly all the casehardened finish is present and the case colors are vivid. The small components have nearly all of the fiery, niter blue, finish. The slide markings are sharp. The professionally made grips are near mint with sharp checkering. This is an outstanding example of an extremely rare, prototype Colt Model 1910 Automatic pistol that would be the centerpiece of any advanced Colt or automatic pistol collection.