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John T. Thompson, whose cartouche is seen on the left grip with “1900” above it, as pictured on p. 25 of “U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1894-1920” by Meadows. Following their shipment to Springfield Armory, 50 of these pistols were sent to the Philippines, 25 to Cuba, and 25 to Puerto Rico, where they were issued to officers who were expected to test their merits and provide feedback. Overall, the reports were mixed, though there were several reoccurring negative comments, those being: two hands were required to fire the first shot, the pistols were muzzle heavy, and the officers felt that they were inherently more dangerous than revolvers.
In May of 1909, 126 Model 1900 pistols (a mix of first and second contract) were turned in at Rock Island Arsenal for inspection. On 18 June 1909 the Commanding Officer of Rock Island Arsenal was approved to sell the pistols, with
SEPT.9.1884”.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 30% of the original blue finish in sheltered areas and traces of the original case colors and nitre blue with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina with a few scattered patches of light pitting. The grips are also fine with moderate wear and a few scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. These extremely rare first contract U.S. army Colt Model 1900 “sight safety” pistols are missing from the most extensive U.S. automatic pistol collections!
Estimate: 25,000 - 37,500
248
LOT 3329
Extremely Rare and Highly Desirable Documented Historic U.S. Army First Contract Colt Model 1900 “Sight Safety” Semi-Automatic Pistol Serial Number 117 - Serial no. 117, 38 Colt auto cal., 6 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1900, this is a rare example of one of only 100 Colt Model 1900 pistols manufactured to fulfill the first contract for the U.S. Army. These initial 100 pistols were ordered by the Ordnance Department to test the feasibility of an automatic pistol
in the hands of army officers. Later, a further 200 Model 1900 pistols were ordered, at least partially due to the
high demand by officers stationed in the Philippines for automatic pistols. These initial pistols were serial numbered 11, 12, 59, 60, 87-132, 133-157, and 183-207. Pistols 87-132, including this example, were shipped to Springfield Armory on 16 May 1900. These pistols were inspected by Captain
the price being set at $7.50 for a pistol, magazine, and holster. Of these 100 first contract pistols, only 30 known surviving examples, including this example, are listed on
p. 28 of the previously mentioned reference, making these pistols an exceptionally scarce U.S. Military automatic in any condition. This example is marked with the correct two-line, two-block “Browning’s patent” and Colt address followed
by the circled Rampant Colt on the left of the slide, while the right has the standard two-line caliber marking. Both sides of the slide feature later style plunge mill serrations at the rear. The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number “117”, and the trigger guard bow is marked “U.S.” It is fitted with a blade front sight and the original “sight safety” rear sight, spur hammer with arched bottom checkering, a pair of smooth walnut grips with legible “1900” date and cartouche on the left, and it is furnished with a full nickel magazine with base marked “PAT’D