This is both a rare and exceptional original example of an early and difficult to find U.S. Army Contract Colt Model 1902 Military semi-automatic pistol. This example is 1 of 200 that were purchased by the U.S. Army as an improved replacement for the earlier Colt Model 1900 sight safety pistol. They were delivered in two shipments, with the first 100 pistols received by Springfield Armory on July 15, 1902, (numbered 15001-15100) and the second lot received on July 22, 1902, with serial numbers 15101-15200, with this example being shipped in the second group on July 22nd 1902. It is correctly stamped on the right side of the frame with the U.S. Ordnance inspector's initials of "J.T.T." for John T. Thompson and "R.A.C." for Rinaldo A. Carr. The left side of the frame is also correctly stamped with the "U.S." Army markings on the front area of the trigger guard bow. This model of Colt pistol is discussed on pages 43-47 of the reference book, "U.S. Military Automatic Pistol 1894-1920" by Ellis/Meadows, and the serial number (15165) is actually listed in that reference. The right underside of the slide is correctly numbered "15165" and it also carries the correct inspectors mark of "R.A.C.". The left side is marked in two lines: "BROWNINGS PATENT" PAT'D APRIL 20 1897" followed by COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. Co./HARTFORD. CONN. U.S.A." followed by the circled Rampant colt logo towards the rear below the rear sight. The right rear side is marked: "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" followed by "MODEL 1902" next to the slide checkering. It has the Colt's high polish blue finish, niter blue small components and casehardened hammer. Both sides of the slide have the correct checkered cocking serrations about 1/2 inch from the muzzle. The slide has the early, narrow half-moon front sight with the early round top rear sight. It has the early, round top, heavy knurled hammer. A lanyard loop is attached to the left rear corner of the frame. The grips are checkered hard rubber with "COLT" in a banner at the top of the grip and the encircled Rampant Colt motif in the middle. It comes with an original nickel plated magazine that is marked "PAT'D SEPT, 9, 1884" on the bottom of the floor plate.

Exceptionally fine with 85% plus of the bright original Colt high polish blue finish remaining overall with general light wear and blue loss on the edges and high spots overall with slightly more blue loss/fading on the top and sides of the slide, with some minor flaking on the front and rear grip straps. The grips are in very fine condition with nice distinct Colt markings and checkering on the sides. The hammer retains 80% of the original subdued case colors overall. 75% original nitre blue on trigger, slide stop, and screws. The markings are clear and sharp. Mechanically excellent. A really sharp high condition early Colt Model 1902 U.S. marked semi-automatic pistol.