Manufactured in 1906, this is one of only 6,210 Colt "Military Model of 1905" pistols manufactured over a period of six years. These pistols are a very important evolutionary step in the development of Colt automatic pistols and the Model 1911 as they were the first production Colt automatic chambered for the legendary .45 ACP cartridge. The left side of the slide is marked with the two-line two-block patent dates and address, with the circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The right side of the slide is marked "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 45 RIMLESS SMOKELESS". The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number and the left of the trigger guard has a "VP" proof and "1". It has rounded blade front and rounded top notch rear sights, and the rounded checkered hammer. It is fitted with a pair of diamond pattern checkered grips, an unmarked full blue magazine, and the back strap is cut with grooves for attaching a combination holster/stock (not included). This pistol is listed on p. 221 of "The Government Models: The Development of the Colt Model of 1911" by Goddard as having been fitted for or shipped with a combination holster/stock and shipped on 14 September 1906 to Monley Sporting Goods Co. Provenance: The Gus Cargile Collection

Fine, retains 40% plus of the original high polish blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, primarily on the grip straps and edges. The grips are fair with some moderate wear and a few flat spots in the otherwise heavily worn checkering. Mechanically excellent.