This is an attractive example of a very rare and difficult to obtain, 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 obviously being shipped in the second group. 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 property marking on the upper 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 (15193) is actually NOT listed in that reference, so its fresh to the collector market. The right underside of the slide is correctly numbered "15165" along with 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 a Colt type 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 and 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 Colt magazine that is marked "PAT'D SEPT. 9, 1884" on the bottom of the floor plate.

Very fine with 99% of a professionally restored high polish blue finish overall with 99% of a professional Colt type color case hardened finish on the hammer and lanyard loop. The various smaller parts also retain 99% of a professional Colt type nitre blue finish. The markings are clear and sharp overall. The original Colt hard rubber, checkered grips are in very fine condition. A very nice super high condition professionally restored US Army contract Colt Model 1902 semi-automatic pistol.