This is an exceptional original example of one of only 200 Colt Model 1902 Military semi-automatic pistols purchased by the U.S. Army as an improved replacement for the earlier Colt Model 1900 sight safety pistol. These pistols were delivered to the Army in two shipments. The first 100 pistols were serial numbers 15001-15100 and received by Springfield Armory on July 15, 1902, and the remaining 100 pistols, serial numbers 15101-15200, were received by Springfield Armory on July 25. This pistol was part of the second shipment. The accompanying factory letter lists this pistol with blue finish and hard rubber stocks when sold to the U.S. government and shipped to the Springfield Armory commanding officer on July 25, 1902. The trigger guard is stamped "U.S." on the left side and stamped "K" above U.S. Ordnance inspector Rinaldo A. Carr initials "RAC" on the right. The right side of the frame has John T. Thompson's inspector initials "J.TT". The slide has the two-line caliber marking followed by "MODEL 1902" on the right side and the two-block, two-line single 1887 patent date and Hartford address markings followed by a circled Rampant Colt on the left side. Both sides of the slide have the correct checkered cocking serrations about 1/2 inch from the muzzle. It has Colt's high polish blue finish, niter blue small components, casehardened hammer, early narrow half moon front sight, early rounded top rear sight, early rounded heavy knurled hammer and a lanyard loop attached to the left rear corner of the frame. The standard checkered grips feature "COLT" in a banner at the top and a Rampant Colt in the middle. The full nickel magazine is marked "PAT'D SEPT. 9 1884." Comes with a hobbyist presentation case and scarce Mills experimental canvas 1911 pistol holster. The Mills holster has been with this pistol for decades, dating back to at least the 1970s. Patented in 1914 and manufactured by the Mills Equipment Company, these holsters were designed for the 1911 pistol. The U.S. Ordnance Department purchased 75 of these holsters for field trials. Instead of the traditional leather seen on 1911/1911A1 holsters, the main body and hanger assembly are constructed from heavy woven fabric, the edges are bound in lighter weight fabric to prevent fraying, the brass furniture is blued, and a small white felt interior block keeps the magazine catch from contacting the body. The blued brass cap is riveted to the toe and bears the Mills bullet logo. The cap lacks the 1914 patent date marking and the inside of the flap lacks a Mills trademark as found on other examples. The hanger is a "cavalry" style hinged arrangement, secured to the body with a pair of rivets and equipped with a brass swivel and hook. A canvas tie-down strap is secured to the holster with a riveted brass bracket on the rear of the main body. Also included is a collection of research letters related to this U.S. Model 1902 and the included Mills holster. These letters were written in the 1970s by some of the period's most astute Colt experts and collectors and research institutions such as Robert L. Sutherland, R.L. Wilson, the NRA and the National Archives and were written responses to research inquiries proposed by the pervious owner, Donald Ensminger.

Excellent, retaining 95% bright original high polish blue finish with some thinning mostly on the grip straps and some high edge wear. 90% original case colors remain on the hammer. The grips are also excellent with crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. The holster is very fine with a tear at the closure snap disk on the flap and exposed aged brass on the furniture. A superb example of one of only 200 Colt Military Model 1902 pistols delivered to the U.S. Army. This example would be hard to improve upon. This is the finest U.S. Colt Military Model 1902 we have cataloged!