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According to "U.S. Military Automatic
Pistols 1894-1920" by Meadows, only
100 Colt Model 1900 "Sight Safety"
Semi-Automatic pistols were produced
for the First Army Contract
LOT 312
Extremely Rare and Highly Desirable Documented Historic
U.S. Army First Contract Colt Model 1900 “Sight Safety” Semi-
Automatic Pistol with Factory Letter - Serial no. 94, 38 Colt Auto
cal., 6 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in early
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. The included
factory letter confirms the current configuration, the grips not listed, as
well as sale to the U.S. government and shipment to Springfield Armory
on 16 May 1900 in a shipment of 50 pistols. 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 John
T. Thompson, whose cartouche would have originally been 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 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 originally had the plunge
milled serrations at the rear, evidence of which can still
be seen, but have since been updated to the more coarse
“V”-cut serrations. The left side of the frame is marked with
the serial number “94”, and the trigger guard bow is marked
“U.S.” The rear sight has been modified from its original
sight safety configuration to a rounded top notch. It is fitted
with a coarsely checkered spur hammer, a pair
of smooth walnut grips, and a correct nickeled
magazine with the 1884 patent date
on the bottom.
CONDITION: Fine as factory converted from sight
safety to sight only configuration, with 60% plus
of the bright, factory refurbished, high polish blue
finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina
and some scattered patches of light pitting mostly on the left of the
slide and frame. The grips are good with moderate wear, some minor
handling marks, and a repaired crack and some shaving on the right
panel. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
LISTED BY SERIAL NUMBER IN THE U.S. MILITARY
AUTOMATIC PISTOLS 1894-1920 BY MEADOWS