This very fine original example of a Colt Model 1900 Automatic Pistol was manufactured in 1900. This very significant pistol was the first semi-automatic handgun manufactured by Colt and John M. Browning's first successful semi-automatic pistol design. The Model 1900 Automatic Pistol paved the way for all subsequent Colt automatic pistol designs. The pistol has the highly desirable rear sight safety, early style slide with grip serrations at the rear and smooth, highly figured, varnished walnut grips. The pistol has a spur hammer and half-moon front sight. The frame and slide have the high polish Colt commercial blue finish. The rear sight and hammer are color casehardened. The trigger and small parts are niter blued. The 7-shot magazine has a plated finish and is marked: "PAT'D SEPT.9.1884". The right side of the slide is roll-stamped: "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" in two lines ahead of the ejection port. The left side of the slide is roll-stamped: "BROWNING'S PATENT"/PAT'D APRIL 20. 1897" in two lines. The patent date is followed by the legend: "COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO./HARTFORD. CONN. U.S.A.". The encircled Rampant Colt trademark is located behind the left grip serration. The serial number, "256" is stamped above the trigger guard on the left side of the frame.

Very fine. The pistol retains 75% of the original high polish blue finish. There is some minor pitting and finish discoloration on the left side of the slide at the muzzle and two smaller spots of pitting on the left side of the slide. The frame has light-moderate pitting and finish loss on the back strap with high point wear on the edges of the frame and trigger guard. The rear sight and hammer have 90% of the vivid original case colors. Most of the niter blue is present on the trigger, barrel and screws. The grips are also in very fine condition with scattered light handling wear. Most of the varnish finish is intact. The magazine retains about 70% of the plated finish. All of the markings are crisp. This is a very fine original example of a scarce and desirable, first-year production, Colt Model 1900 Sight Safety Automatic Pistol.