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. This pistol, serial number 61, was manufactured even before Colt began fabricating two model room examples of the Model 1905 which would later be submitted to the 1907 U.S. military pistol trials. 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 left 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 and an unmarked full blue magazine. This pistol is listed on p. 217 of "The Government Models: The Development of the Colt Model of 1911" by Goddard as having shipped on 2 February 1906 to a W.S. Brown. Includes an unnumbered, correctly labelled, Colt maroon box. Provenance: The Dr. Robert Azar Collection

Excellent, retains 90% plus of the original high polish blue finish with the balance having thinned to a smooth grey patina, primarily on the leading edge of the slide and the edges of the back strap. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very good with 75% of the end label intact. The vertical pieces on the opposite end of the lid are absent. A scarce opportunity to own a two digit serial numbered Colt Military Model 1905 in exceptional condition.