This is an exceptionally nice, high condition late Colt Model 1905 semi-automatic pistol with the original, maroon colored matching shipping box. There were less than 6100 total made over a period of six years with this specific pistol being made in late 1911. This model is a very important collection piece as they represent Colt's first semi-automatic pistol entry into the commercial and military market using the New Powerful "45 Rimless" cartridge. This model eventually lead to the development of the successful Model 1911 series of pistol. The right side of the slide is marked "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 45 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" in front of the ejection port. The left side of the slide is marked in two blocks: "PATENTED/APR. 20. 1897. SEPT. 9. 1902. DEC. 19. 1905." and "COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." with the circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The slide retains its original early pattern narrow front sight with the round top rear sight. The serial number (4619) is located on the left side of the frame above the trigger guard bow. The upper left trigger guard bow bears the Colt "VP" triangle proof and the lower is marked with a "W". It features the later pattern checkered spur hammer version with half-cock notch and casehardened finish. The remainder of the gun is finished in the beautiful and very desirable Colt high-polish blue finish with the nitre blue trigger, extractor, grip screws take down pins and magazine release. It is fitted with the original early checkered walnut with the small diamond pattern around the screws. This wonderful pistol complete with it original and correctly matching numbered (4619) maroon colored shipping box. The box itself is serial numbered in a black grease pencil on the underside and it has a blue intact end label, marked: "Colt Automatic Pistol .45 Rimless Smokeless". The box contains the an original Colt manual, and a one page instruction sheet and an original Colt factory price list all the various other Colt pistol sold during this time frame. The wonderful pistol was originally from the collection of Dr. Joseph Murphy, a noted Colt collector and author.

Excellent with 98% plus of the bright original Colt factory high polish blue finish overall with minor edge and high spot wear with some blue loss on the front edges of the slide, with a very small spot of blue just starting to flake off in the center of the backstrap. The extraordinary walnut grips are in excellent condition with only minor handling marks. The box is in very good condition with a nice maroon color overall with scuffing around the edge and corners of the lid and bottom of the box with a small 3 inch section of the front edge of the lid missing. A fabulous example of a rare early Colt Model 1905 semi-automatic pistol.