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Collector’s Fact
According to "U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1894-1920"
by Meadows, only 250 Colt Model 1900 "Sight Safety"
Pistols were produced under contract for the U.S. Navy.
LOT 1299
Documented U.S. Navy Contract Colt Model 1900
“Sight Safety” Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 1022,
38 ACP cal., 6 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish,
walnut grips. Manufactured in 1900 as one of 250 Model 1900
“Sight Safety” semi-automatic pistols manufactured by the Colt’s Patent Fire Arms
Manufacturing Company under contract for the U.S. Navy in a serial number range
of 1,001 to 1,250, with this example being serial number “1022” and falling within the range of the first 50 pistols (serial numbers 1001 to
1050) shipped to the U.S. Government General Storekeeper, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York, on October 12, 1900, as discussed on page 39 of “U.S.
Military Automatic Pistols 1894-1920” by Meadows. These pistols were also marked with a U.S. Navy inventory number that corresponded with the
serial number on the opposite side of the frame, with this example being marked “U.S.N. 22”. Features an oval blade front sight and a folding notch
rear sight that doubles as a firing pin safety when pushed into the downward position (hence the “sight-safety” nickname), the two-block, two-line
Browning patent date and Colt address roll-marked on the left of the slide with a circled Rampant Colt behind the early plunge-milled slide serrations, the two-line
caliber designation roll marked on the right side, and a matching serial number “1022” marked on the underside of the slide. The left side of the frame bears the Navy
inventory marking (with “U.S.N.” partially intentionally removed) with the serial number on the right side, along with a “triangle/B” factory proof on the left of the trigger
guard and the distinctive U.S. Navy “trident” inspection stamp on the right side. Fitted with a pair of smooth walnut grips and a nickel plated magazine marked “PAT’D SEPT.9.1884” on the base.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 60% plus original bright blue finish and 40% faded case colors on the rear sight and hammer along with some light edge wear, filing marks and grey patina around the still
visible U.S. Navy marking on the left of the frame, thinning on the balance of the grip straps with mostly brown patina, some minor patches of freckling/spotting, and scattered minor handling marks,
and clear roll-marks. The grips are also very good as lightly sanded and re-oiled with some minor verdigris on the fittings and some minor handling wear. Mechanically excellent. Overall an attractive
specimen of a U.S. Navy contract Colt Model 1900 pistol in its original “sight safety” configuration!
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 1300
Historic
Documented
World War I
U.S. Colt Model
1911 Semi-
Automatic Pistol, Attributed to
an American Field Service Veteran, with Holster, Factory
Letter, and Notarized Affidavit - Serial no. 199266, 45 ACP
cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Frame
manufactured in 1917, with the serial number
“199266” falling within the range (serial numbers
198,901 to 200,800) of 1,900 pistols shipped to the U.S. Springfield
Armory on December 8, 1917, as listed on page 519 of “U.S. Military
Automatic Pistols 1894-1920” by Meadows. This is confirmed by the
included factory letter, which also confirms the pistol’s configuration as
shipped with a five inch barrel chambered in .45 caliber, blue finish, and
type of grips not listed. Features fixed oval blade front and square-notch rear
sights, a correct blued barrel with “P” and “H” marked on top of the
chamber, a checkered slide stop, thumb safety, magazine release, and
wide spur hammer, a short grip safety, smooth long trigger, and straight mainspring housing with a
lanyard loop on the base. The correct 1917 production era slide bears the two-line, two-block patent dates and manufacturer address on the left side, with the
Gothic style lettering instead of the Roman style lettering used on earlier production (changed around serial number 179,000), an uncircled Rampant Colt behind
the serrations, along with model and U.S. Army nomenclature on the right side and “H” marked at the top of the hammer recess. The left side of the frame bears the U.S.
property marking and circled “GHS” (Gilbert H. Stewart) monogram inspection mark, with serial number on the right side. Fitted with a pair of “double-diamond” checkered walnut grips and
a two-tone magazine with a lanyard loop on the base. Includes a green Boyt brand soft case, a M1912 leather swivel holster, marked “ROCK ISLAND/ARSENAL/1915/T.C.C.” on the rear, with
a leather thigh strap, and a notarized Ron Peterson Guns Inc. letter, dated January 7, 1987, listing the pistol by serial number as the former property of John D. Sauters Jr. (1894-
1978) of Martin’s Ferry, Ohio, who was a volunteer with the Cornell University Unit of the American Field Service serving under the French Army during World War I, partook in
several major operations including the Marne and Somme offensives of 1918, and by the end of the war was authorized to wear the Victory Medal with eight stars.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 50% original brushed blue finish with some mild holster pattern edge wear and silvering on the front portion of the frame and slide, thinning on
the balance revealing smooth grey and brown patinas along with some minor specs of spotting/freckling, scattered minor handling marks, and clear markings. The grips are
very good with light compression wear to the otherwise defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine with some light cracking at the folds. Overall a solid
representative example of a U.S. M1911 pistol attributed to a veteran of the American Field Service!
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500