This is another very scarce example of a U.S. marked Colt Model 1900 "Sight Safety" semi-automatic pistol that was delivered in the second shipment of these rare early semi-automatic pistols. The Army purchased 200 of these early automatics that were delivered in two shipments. The first group used approximate serial numbers of 90-150 and the second shipment fall into serial numbers of 1600-1750. This specific pistol is stamped on the left side of the frame with serial number, and the rare "U.S." property mark is directly below that on the front left trigger guard bow. This model is discussed on pages 25-35 of the reference book "U.S. Military Automatic Pistols, 1894-1920" by Scott Meadows. This wonderful pistol is actually listed by serial number in that reference on page 35. This rare pistol still retains its unaltered rear sight safety mechanism, sixteen milled grip serrations on either side of the slide, hammer with sharp bordered knurled spur, two-piece, oil finished, walnut grips that are hand checkered on each sides and an original nickel-plated seven-shot magazine. These pistols had a Colt high polish, commercial blue finish on the metal parts with a fire blue trigger, pins, and screws with the rear sight and hammer, color casehardened. The slide still retains its original markings of "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" and on the left side "BROWNING'S PATENT/PAT'D APRIL 20, 1897", and "COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO./HARTFORD. CONN. U.S.A." The circled Rampant Colt trademark is stamped on the left rear side of the slide. The original nickel plated magazine floor plate is roll-stamped: "PAT'D SEPT. 9. 1884".

Very fine with 99% of a properly restored, Colt type, high polish blue finish and restamped clear sharp markings overall. The various smaller parts noted above all have a nice Colt type nitre blue finish. The rear sight/safety has also been properly restored and retains 99% of its Colt type color casehardened finish. The walnut grips are in fine original condition with a nice matching dark oil finish on both sides with sharp distinct checking. Another wonderful early Colt U.S. marked contract pistol with the desirable rear sight/safety device.