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AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK COLT'S .38 AUTOMATIC PISTOLS BY SHELDON
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LOT 298
Outstanding, Finest Known Colt Model 1902 Military Semi-Automatic Pistol with Original Factory Box and Factory Letter as Pictured in “Colt’s .38 Automatic Pistols” by Sheldon - Serial no. 32717, 38 Colt Auto cal., 6 inch round bbl., blue finish, hard rubber grips. Manufactured in late 1909, these Model 1902s, much like most of the early Colt automatics, represented the pinnacle of firearms technology in their time and were the desire of both militaries and civilians alike. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration, grips not listed, as well as shipment to H&D Folsom Arms
Co. in New York on 12 February 1910. This specific pistol is pictured on p. 123 of “Colt’s .38 Automatic Pistols: The Production History of the ‘Automatic Colt Pistol’” by Douglas G. Sheldon. This example falls into a transitional period for the model and exhibits the mid-production high polish blue finish and spurred hammer which had begun to appear around serial number 30000 and was basically standard by approximately serial number 37000. The left side of the slide is marked with the two-line patent date and two-line address arranged in two blocks with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The right side of the slide has the two-line caliber marking, “AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS”. The left side of the frame has the serial number and “VP” and “W” on the left of the trigger guard. It is fitted with blade and rounded top notch sights, a lanyard swivel on the lower left of the grip frame, checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts and “COLT” banners, and full blue magazine. Includes the original factory box, cleaning rod, oil bottle, and manual.
CONDITION: Near new in box, retains 99% plus of the bright, original, high polish blue finish, 98% plus of the vibrant case colors on the hammer, and 98% plus of the bright nitre blue on the small parts with a few scattered very light handling marks overall. The grips are excellent plus with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is fine with the label end of the lid nearly detached and some mild edge/corner wear. Writer believes it would be impossible to find a better example of a Colt Model 1902 Military!
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000