This Colt Model 1905 Automatic pistol was manufactured in 1908. The pistol has the Colt high polish commercial blue finish with niter blue rear sight, trigger, slide lock and small parts. The hammer has a casehardened finish. The walnut grips are checkered and have a varnish finish. The 7-shot magazine has a full blue finish. This early production pistol has the round hammer with no half-cock that was replaced a spur hammer about serial number 3600. The right side of the slide is roll-stamped: "AUTOMATIC COLT / CALIBRE 45 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" in two lines in front of the ejection port. The left side of the slide is marked: "PATENTED / APR.20.1897.SEPT.9.1902.DEC,19.1905." in a two-line block followed by COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO./HARTFORD. CONN. U.S.A." in two lines. The encircled Rampant Colt trademark is stamped on the left side of the slide behind the serrations. The serial number, "2716" is stamped on the left side of the frame above the trigger guard bow. Colt's 'triangle/VP" proofmark is stamped on the upper left side of the trigger guard bow and a "6" assembler's mark is stamped on the left side of the bow near the frame. Designed in anticipation of government contracts the Colt Model 1905 pistol was the direct predecessor to the Colt Model 1911 Automatic pistol. Two hundred Model 1905 pistols were purchased by the Army for troop trials; these trials led to the adoption of the Model 1911 by the U.S. Army.

Excellent. The pistol retains 90% of the original high polish blue finish. There is moderate finish wear on the muzzle and edges of the slide with a small spot of pitting above the patent markings. The frame retains most of the blue finish with some scattered age spotting on the back strap. About 85% of the dove-gray case colors are present on the hammer. The checkered grips are in very good condition with light to moderate handling wear. The magazine also has 90% of the original blue finish. Markings on the frame and slide are sharp. This is a solid original example of a scarce and important Colt Model 1905 Automatic pistol.