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 replacement diamond pattern checkered grips, an unmarked full blue magazine, and a smooth back strap not cut for a shoulder stock. Provenance: The Gus Cargile Collection

Fine, retains 50% of the original high polish blue finish, faint case color patterns, and 40% plus of the original niter blue with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina, primarily on edges and the grip straps, and some scattered patches of light surface pitting. The oversize custom made replacement grips are fine with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.