Page 305 - 83-BOOK1

THIS is the Pistol to Complete the Most Exhaustive Colt Semi-Automatic Collection
It was not fitted with the thumb safety that some of the other Model 1910 prototypes and later the Model 1911 received. It is also fitted with the unique grips which are retained by studs on the frame and slots in the grips rather than screws for ease of disassembly. Grips very similar to this were incorporated for a short time on prototypes of the Fabrique Nationale “Grand Browning”, which was a scaled down version of Browning’s design which was intended
for submission for adoption by European militaries. The development of this pistol was disrupted by the outbreak of World War I however, and only a small number were ever manufactured. This pistol is furnished with an unmarked two-tone pinned base magazine with a lanyard ring on the base. Included with the pistol are copies of Browning’s patents which apply to it as well as copies of a letter which describes the features of the pistol in depth.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish, 60% plus of the original nitre blue, and mostly silvered out original case colors on the mainspring housing and grip safety in sheltered areas with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina, primarily on high spots and the grip area of the mainspring housing. The grips are very fine with a few scattered minor blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This is a historic evolutionary predecessor of the legendary Colt Model 1911 that would instantly become the centerpiece of even the most extensive Colt semi-automatic or U.S. military handgun collections! Provenance: The Dr. Robert Azar Collection.
Estimate: 140,000 - 225,000
THIS PISTOL WAS DESIGNED WITHOUT A THUMB SAFETY. THE RIGHT SIDE HAS AN INSTALLED PLATE, RETAINED BY A PIN, WHICH CAN BE REMOVED FOR DISASSEMBLY OF THE PISTOL
303