Auctions Consignment Latest FAQ About us

Lot 1668:Colt 1900 Pistol 38 Colt auto

September 10th, 2016|Rock Island, IL

Lot 1668:Colt 1900 Pistol 38 Colt auto

September 10th, 2016|Rock Island, IL

Price Realized:

Estimated Price$25,000 - $37,500

Phenomenal Rare Colt U.S. Navy Contract Model 1900 Semi-Automatic Pistol

This exceptional Colt Model 1900 Automatic Pistol was manufactured as part of the U.S. Navy contract for 250 pistols dated September 5, 1900. This pistol is unaltered and in the original issue configuration with the distinctive sight safety, spur hammer and convex takedown plug. The slide has the first style, plunge milled grip serrations. The pistol retains the first style, straight back 7-round magazine. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped: "U.S.N." followed by the Navy serial number "235". The Navy inspection mark of Lt. Charles A. Brand which consists of the letter "B" within a triangle is stamped on the left trigger guard web. The right trigger guard web is stamped with a five-pointed star surrounding the letter "I" inspection mark of W.W. Marvel; this mark is found only on the 50 pistols shipped from Colt to the Navy on November 22, 1900 (U.S.N. serial number 201-250). The Colt serial number "1235" is stamped on the right side of the frame above the trigger guard. "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" is roll-stamped on the right side of the slide ahead of the ejection port. The left side of the slide is roll-stamped: ""BROWNING'S PATENT"/PAT'D APRIL 20. 1897" in a two-line block followed by: "COLT PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO./HARTFORD. CONN. U.S.A." in two lines. The encircled Rampant Colt trademark is stamped behind the left slide serrations. The bottom of the magazine floor plate is stamped: "PAT'D SEPT.9.1884". The barrel, slide and frame have the Colt high polish commercial blue finish. The trigger, screws and pins are fire blue, and the sight safety and spur hammer are color casehardened. The magazine is nickel plated. The two-piece walnut grips are varnished. Colt manufactured approximately 4,274 Model 1900 Automatic Pistols between February 1900 and May 1902. Some 2,460 Model 1900 pistols were manufactured with the sight/safety and spur hammer before Colt determined that the sight/safety was impractical and replaced it with a fixed rear sight and round hammer. USN Colt Model 1900 pistols are rare.

ConditionExcellent. The pistol is all original and retains 97% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish overall. The slide and frame have a number of minor dings and scratches which are attributable to storage by the Navy. The trigger, screws and pins have 90% of more of the original nitre blue finish. 95% of the original case colors are present on the sight safety and spur hammer. The walnut grips have traces of the original varnish finish remaining and are in fine overall condition. The magazine is in excellent condition and retains at least 95% of the plated finish. All of the Colt and U.S. Navy markings on the slide and frame are crisp. This is an excellent example of a rare and historically significant Colt U.S. Navy Contract Model 1900 Automatic Pistol.

Details

ManufacturerColt

Model1900

TypePistol

Serial number

ClassCurio & Relic Handgun

Caliber / Gauge38 Colt auto

Barrel6 inch round

Finishblue

Gripwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL