Manufactured in 1903, within the first couple months of production. The left side of the early barrel bushing slide is marked with the two-line, two-block patent date and address, and circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The right side of the slide has the caliber marking. It is fitted with a rounded blade front sight and rounded top notch rear sight, nitre blued small parts, checkered hard rubber grips with the Rampant Colt and Colt scalloped banner, and a full blue magazine. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration (barrel length and grips not listed) as well as shipment to Hackett, Walther, Gates Hardware Co. in St. Paul, Minnesota on 21 July 1903. Provenance: The Dr. Robert Azar Collection

Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish and 75% plus of the original nitre blue with the balance having mostly thinned to a smooth grey patina, primarily on edges and grip straps, and scattered patches of plum light surface pitting mostly on the left side of the slide. The grips are excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.