This is a beautifully restored example of a Colt Military Model 1905 semi-automatic pistol, that was manufactured in 1908. It is accompanied by a Colt factory letter dated August 2005, showing this as a two gun shipment to Montgomery Ward & Company in Kansas City, Missouri. There were less than 6,100 of this model ever manufactured over a period of six years, with this specific pistol being made in early 1908. This model is a very important Colt collection piece as they represent Colt's first semi-automatic pistol entry chambered in the new and powerful .45 ACP cartridge. This model and cartridge, eventually led to the development of the extremely successful Model 1911 series of pistol, so it’s a critical piece in the evolution of the Colt semi-automatic pistols. The right side of the slide is marked "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 45 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" in front of the ejection port. The left side of the slide is marked in two blocks: "PATENTED/APR. 20. 1897. SEPT. 9. 1902. DEC. 19. 1905." and "COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO./HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A." with the circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The serial number is located on the left side of the frame above the trigger guard bow. The upper left trigger guard bow bears the Colt "VP" triangle proof and the lower is marked with a "6". Early round spur hammer version with half-cock notch and casehardened finish. The remainder of the gun is finished in high-polish blue, except for the trigger, extractor, slide lock cross-pins, and magazine release, which show a brilliant nitre blue finish. The grips are checkered walnut with the diamond pattern around the screws.

Very fine as professionally restored. The markings are clear and sharp and it has the high polish blue metal finish with the nitre blued small parts. The checkered walnut grips are also in very fine condition overall with beautiful crisp checkering on both sides with just a small stress crack on the top right side around the brass escutcheon. The hammer retains 99% of its case colors overall. An attractive Colt Military Model 1905 semi-automatic pistol.