This is an absolutely outstanding example of an early production Colt Model 1902 Sporting pistol that was shipped in a lot of two pistols in April 1903. Of all of the Colt Model 1902 pistols we have sold over the years this is the finest example we have ever offered. It is not only a very early production example, it is in outstanding all original condition with a factory letter, and is fitted with the highly desirable pearl grips. It has the early Colt high polish commercial blue finish, color casehardened finish on the hammer, with the chamber area and muzzle of the barrel having a factory polished finished. The Colt factory letter is dated March 2011 and it shows that this example was shipped to J.B. Crook & Company, New York, New York. This company was originally established in approximately 1837 as a dry goods store. Later it became one of the early retailers/import/manufacturers of salt water fishing and hunting equipment, as well as a variety of household goods and appliances. They were an original sporting goods store and are listed in the early periodical of "Forest and Stream" newspapers and magazines. They were eventually bought out in the early 1900s. The Colt letter verifies this configuration except the grips are "Not Listed". The right side of the slide is marked in two lines "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS", and the left is roll-stamped in a two block, two-line marking of "PATENTED/APR.20,1897.SEPT.9,1902" followed by "COLT'S PT.F.A.MFG.CO./HARTFORD, CT.U.S.A." The Rampant Colt is stamped on the left side towards the rear of the slide. Since it’s a very early example it is not stamped with any Colt assembler/acceptance proofs which is very scarce. It is fitted with the original all blued Colt magazine that is marked on the floor plate: "PAT'D SEPT.9.1884". As noted it comes with its original early Colt maroon cardboard shipping box. The underside of the box shows a very faint matching serial number of "5631". It also includes an original Colt instruction manual, an instruction sheet, and a small original glass bottle of "3 in One" lubricating oil with its cork stopper. The oil also comes with two paper sheets showing what the oil can be used for. The lid of the Colt shipping box has the early "Red and White" label, with the Rampant Colt logo to the left and with the right side depicting this model of pistol and reads "AUTOMATIC COLT PISTOL" across the top. It has the two piece white/blue end label with the top portion reading: "SPORTING MODEL" and the bottom section reading "AUTOMATIC COLT PISTOL./RIMLESS SMOKELESS/.38".

Excellent plus with 99% of the bright original factory high polish blue finish overall with just a hint of very minor front edge wear and some very minor browning on the rear grip strap. The hammer retains 98% plus of its original case colors, and 98% of the Colt nitre blue finish remains on the trigger. The grips are also in excellent condition with only a couple of very minor age lines visible on the lower left panel. The Colt box is in very fine condition with nice original color overall and 95% of the labels remaining. The corners are all solid, and the box just shows minor wear and scuffing on the edges and corners with the rear paper hinge just starting to pull away from the bottom section. A truly outstanding high condition, early production Colt Model 1902 Sporting Automatic pistol.