This is just an absolutely like new earlier Colt Model 1903 hammerless automatic pistol that is complete with an original set of mother of pearl grips. This excellent example was produced at the very end of 1912. It is estimated that less than 25,000 were produced in total and the serial numbers were partially intermixed with the military model 1902 pistol. Although the "mother of pearl" grips were offered by the Colt factory they are very rarely encountered as they were very fragile and highly susceptible to cracking and breaking. The grips are fitted with the original gold colored Colt medallions at the top of each grip and they are fitted with the original silver grip screw escutcheons with nitre blue grip screws. The left side of the slide is marked with the two-block, two-line address and 1897 and 1902 patent dates with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations and "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" on the right side. The slide has the early style, narrow half-moon front sight and the correct round top fixed rear sight. The serial number is marked on the left side of the frame and the left side of the trigger guard bow is marked with Colt "VP" proof inside a triangle. It has the early Colt high polish blued finish with beautiful early Colt niter blue on the smaller parts, with a color casehardened hammer.