This is an example of a very desirable Colt Model 1905 Military pistol. This was Colt's first real entry into the semi-automatic pistol field and was chambered in the new more powerful 45 ACP round. This exact model and caliber were the true forerunner to the Model 1911 series of pistol, which as we know ushered in 80 years of Colt Model 1911 production for the U.S. Military. There were only a total of 6,100 manufactured from 1905 to 1911, with this pistol manufactured in early 1906. The left side of the slide is marked: "PATENTED/APR. 20. 1897. SEPT. 9. 1902" and "COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO./HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A." with the circled Colt Rampant behind the slide serrations. The right side of the slide is marked "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 45 RIMLESS SMOKELESS". The early three digit serial number (121) is located on the left side of the frame above the trigger guard bow. The upper left trigger guard bow bears the partial Colt "VP" triangle proof and the lower is marked with a "1" sub-inspector proof. The top of the slide has the early small, oval front sight with the later wider rear sight. It is fitted with the exposed extractor, later checkered round spur hammer with the half-cock notch and the early brass firing pin. The grips have been checkered in a Fleur-de-Lis pattern with sculptured edges. These early pistols have the Colt high-polish blue finish with the Colt niter blue finish on the trigger, extractor, grip screws and magazine release. It is complete with an all blue unmarked Colt magazine.

Very fine as factory refurbished with 98% of the blue overall with an unusual two-tone finish where the factory replacement slide is the Colt high polish blue and the frame a darker almost niter color blue. The hammer retains 90% of its case colors overall. The grips are also excellent with the deluxe factory Fleur-de-Lis style checkered pattern noted above. A super example of an extremely high condition Colt Model 1905 semi-automatic pistol in 45 ACP.