Manufactured in early 1905, this is an excellent example of a Colt Model 1902 Sporting pistol. The closest entries to this one, serial numbers 8196 and 8197, listed in Goddard's book, "The Government Models: The Development of the Colt Model of 1911", were both shipped to the Copper Queen Mining Co. on 4 May 1905. It has the standard two-line, two-block patent dates and address on the left of the slide and the standard ""AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" marking on the right between the ejection port and the slide serrations. The slide is fitted with a blade front and rounded top notch rear sight, early forward slide serrations which were standard until April of 1905, checkered rounded hammer, and a smooth trigger. The hard rubber grips have the "COLT" banners at the top and circled Rampant Colts at the center. The full blue magazine is marked "PAT'D SEPT.9, 1884" on the bottom.

Exceptionally fine, retains 85% of the bright original high polish blue finish and 95% of the original case colors on the hammer and 70% nitre blue on small parts with the balance a smooth grey patina, primarily at the muzzle, edges, and grip straps. The grips are excellent with a few light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.