Manufactured in 1911, 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 "W". It has rounded blade front and rounded top notch rear sights, and the later spur-type checkered hammer. It is fitted with a pair of smooth pearl grips and an unmarked, later production, non-factory replacement, full blue magazine. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection

Very fine, retains 97% plus of the professionally refinished blue as well as 90% plus of the nitre blue and case colors with some scattered light edge wear and handling marks, and some markings slightly softened. The replacement grips are very fine with some scattered light chips on the back edges and otherwise minimal handling marks. Mechanically excellent.