Manufactured in 1906, this Colt Model 1905 is one of the earliest 45 ACP chambered handguns to come off the factory production lines. A John M. Browning design, the 1905 draws from lessons learned on the Model 1900 and 1902 pistols, while also answering the U.S. Army's call for a potent, large-bore weapon with a greater one hit kill potential than the 38 caliber revolvers then in the arsenals, serving as the next link in the evolutionary chain that would lead to the Model 1911. Fixed sights, with the two-line, two-block address on the left side of the slide ahead of the circled Rampant Colt, two-line caliber marking on the right, and "VP" and "1" on the trigger guard. Fitted with a niter blue trigger, casehardened round spur hammer, external extractor, brass firing pin, and a pair of checkered grips with diamond flats around the screws and a mother of pearl panel inlaid into the right grip.

Very fine, with 70% plus bright original high polish blue finish, showing bright wear along the high edges, patches of gray patina along the top of the slide (concentrated around the front sight and ejector port), mixed brown on the grip straps, mild spotting and scattered handling marks overall. The initials "GFH" have been scratched into the right side of the chamber and on the right frame rail, and the left side of the chamber is marked "Adventure/10689/G.F.H."; the significance of the markings is unknown. The period modified grips (see above) are fine, with mild dings and verdigris buildup. Mechanically excellent.