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One of the issues with the Colt pistol which was found during this specific trial, was that the grip screws continually worked themselves loose when subjected to sustained fire. It is quite possible that the knowledge of this, along with his continual work towards minimizing the number of parts and number of tools needed for assembly and disassembly, that prompted John Browning to
modify the grips on this specific example, the patent for which is dated 19 August 1913. After the issues with both of these pistols in the final test of 1910, the Chief of Ordnance decreed that another series of tests would be held on 15 March 1911. To this test, Colt submitted the Model 1911 Special Army, a design which was approved for adoption by the U.S. military on 29 March 1911. This specific pistol is pictured and discussed on p. 116-117 of “The Government Models: The Development of the Colt Model
of 1911” by Goddard and on p.
108 of “U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1894-1920” by Meadows/ Ellis. The left side of the slide on this pistol is marked with the two- line two-block patent dates (ending with 1905) and Colt address while the right side has the two-line caliber marking. The left side of
the frame has the single digit serial number “3” and there are no visible inspectors markings or proofs. It is fitted with blade and rounded top notch rear sights, a long smooth trigger, checkered slide stop, a short grip safety, and a straight smooth mainspring housing with the lanyard ring staple removed from the base.
Historic, Incredibly Well Documented, Prototype Colt Model 1910 Semi-Automatic Pistol with One-of-a-Kind Features
THE EJECTION PORT SIZE WAS INCREASED BY JOHN BROWNING TO HELP ELIMINATE EJECTION PROBLEMS
THIS PISTOL HAS TWO EXTRACTORS INSTALLED TO ASSIST WITH THE EJECTION OF SPENT CASINGS
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN
THE BOOKS THE GOVERNMENT MODELS
BY GODDARD AND U.S. MILITARY AUTOMATIC PISTOLS (1894-1920) BY MEADOWS
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