This is a very scarce example of a First US Army Contract Colt Model 1900 semi-automatic pistol with the early low three digit serial number of "146". This pistol was produced in the very first US Army contract that was issued to the Colt's Manufacturing company in 1900. It was also John M. Browning's first successful automatic pistol design. The Colt factory only produced approximately "100" of these U.S. Army stamped Model 1900s pistols that were shipped in two different groups; 75 were shipped on 16 May 1900 with an additional 25 shipped in May 23, 1900. These pistols were made with a unique combination sight safety rear sight, with 99% of them eventually being modified by the US Army, with this example still retain its original sight safety rear sight. The right side of the slide is marked: "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" ahead of the ejection port and the two-line, two-block the left side marked, "BROWNING'S PATENT". The rear has the sixteen gripping serrations. The serial number (146) is roll marked on the left side of the frame and it is correctly stamped "U.S." on the front left trigger guard bow. These pistols were originally manufactured with a high polish commercial blue finish with niter blue barrel and trigger, and casehardened rear sight and hammer. It is fitted a set of smooth walnut grips, that is stamped with 1900 over a boxed "J.T.T." cartouche on the left side. It comes with an original seven round magazine marked "PAT'D SEPT. 9 1884" on the base plate. The pistol is listed by serial number on page 28 of the excellent reference book, "U.S. MILITARY AUTOMATICS 1894-1920", by Meadows and Ellis.

Very good with much of the dull refinished blue remaining overall. The markings are clear and distinct overall with the slide showing some very minor erosion under the current blued area. The grips are in fine condition with minor light handling marks on both sides with a clear visible date and cartouche on the left grip. Mechanically fine. A solid representative example of a rare U.S. first contract Colt 1900 semi-automatic pistol.