Prototype Colt Model 1909 "Straight Handle" automatic pistol that was manufactured c. 1909. This pistol is one of only 23 Model 1909 "Straight Handle" pistols manufactured by Colt primarily for the Ordnance Department pistol tests conducted by the U.S. Army in 1910. These tests ultimately resulted in the selection of the Colt Model 1911 as the standard Army service pistol. These rare Model 1909 pistols are described in detail on pages 95-97 of "U.S. MILITARY AUTOMATIC PISTOLS 1894-1920" by Edward S. Meadows. On page 95 Meadows states: "Pistol number 6 went to Albert Foster, Jr. on May 22, 1911 who delivered it to J.W. McCabe on June 2, 1911. The present location of this pistol is unknown." Documentation with this pistol confirms delivery to Albert M. Foster, Colt's New York agent, and shipment to J.W. McCabe. The documents further state that McCabe was a district sales manager for Chicago Pneumatic Tool Co., located in Chicago and that the pistol was eventually owned by Fred Shutt of Huntington County, Indiana, who obtained the gun from a railroad detective. The gun passed from Shutt to various relatives over the years. According to the consignor (grandson of Fred Shutt), this gun was obtained by Shutt in the 1930s. Shutt was a prominent businessman in the packing plant business, frequent railway traveler and in the 1930s, started the first locker plant in the state of Indiana, Shutt Packing Company. The pistol has a full non-factory period applied silver-plated finish with smooth walnut stocks, spur hammer with knurled spur, short grip safety, Model 1911 slide stop and blued, 7-shot, magazine. The right side of the slide is roll-stamped: "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 45 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" in two lines. The opposite side of the slide is roll-stamped: "PATENTED/APR. 20.1887. SEPT. 9.1902.DEC.19.1905." in two lines followed by "COLT'S P.T. F.A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in two lines. The serial number "6" is stamped on the left side of the frame above the trigger guard bow. The pistol lacks the Colt verified proof and assembly mark found on regular production Colt pistols. The magazine has a dull blue finish and is very similar in configuration to a Model 1911 magazine. The serial number "6" is lightly etched on the left side of the magazine body. The included factory letter lists this pistol with a 5 inch barrel in .45 caliber, blue finish, type of stocks not listed, and special notation "straight handle" when shipped to Albert F. Foster, Jr. of Colt's Patent Fire-Arms Mfg. Co., New York City for delivery to J.W. McCabe on June 2, 1911.

Fine. The pistol retains 40% of the period applied, non-factory silver-plated finish. There are two 1/2 inch spots of pitting on the left side of the slide. One spot partially covers the Colt Hartford address. The edge of the slide stop is heavily pitted. The plated finish is flaked on edges and contact points with heavy wear on the back strap/mainspring housing. The slide markings and serial number are clear. The walnut grips have been heavily sanded and the lower right grip screw is missing. The magazine has a dull blue patina. This is a solid and well-documented example of an extremely rare and historically significant Colt prototype Model 1909 automatic pistol. This is a highly sought after Colt semi-automatic pistol variation, worthy of the best Colt automatic pistol collection.