Lot 1479: U.S Colt 2nd Contract 1900 Sight Safety Pistol, S/N 1627

This is very scarce example of a U.S. marked Colt Model 1900 "Sight Safety" semi-automatic pistol that was delivered in the second contract order of these rare early pistols. The Army purchased 200 of these early automatics that were delivered in four shipments, with this pistol in the fourth shipment, 1601-1650, sent on February 4, 1901 to the New York Arsenal. This specific pistol is stamped on the left side of the frame with serial number "1627", and the rare "U.S." property mark is directly below that on the front left trigger guard bow. This model is discussed on pages 32-35 of the reference book "U.S. Military Automatic Pistols, 1894-1920" by Meadows and Ellis. This pistol is not listed by serial number in that reference on page 35, which indicates that it was not known to the author when the book was written. This pistol still retains its unaltered rear sight safety mechanism, sixteen milled grip serrations on either front side of the slide, hammer with sharp bordered knurled spur, two-piece, oil finished, walnut grips that are hand checkered on each side and an original nickel-plated seven-shot magazine. The right side of the slide is marked: "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. Originally 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 original nickel plated magazine floor plate is roll-stamped: "PAT'D SEPT. 9. 1884".

Good, retaining 75% of an arsenal type dipped refurbished blue finish, showing general light wear and blue loss overall with a gray/brown patina on the grip straps. The markings are still clear and very readable however both sides of the slide show minor/light pitting under the blue area, probably from sitting in a holster. The grips are in fine condition with nice distinct checkering on both sides with some heavier pressure dents/handling marks on the left side. A very nice looking solid representative example of a very scarce U.S. Army second contract Colt Model 1900 sight safety semi-automatic pistol.