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LOT 1508
Exceptional First Year Production Serial Number 402
Colt Model 1900 “Sight Safety” Semi-
Automatic Pistol - Serial
no. 402, 38 Colt auto cal., 6 inch round bbl., blue
finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1900, the first year of production for Colt’s first commercially available semi-automatic pistol. The left side of the slide is marked with the standard two-line, two-block patent date and
address, with the circled Rampant Colt at the rear. The right side has the standard two-line caliber marking and the serial number is marked on the left of the frame. The sight features the early pattern plunge-milled slide serrations at the rear, seen on pistols only below approximately serial numbers 1400-1500. It is fitted with blade front and notch rear sight safety in the original
configuration, smooth walnut grips which were standard until approximately serial number 2449, and a nickeled magazine with patent date on the base. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 80% plus of the original high polish blue finish, as well as 75% plus of the vibrant original case colors and nitre blue, with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, mostly noticeably on the grip straps and leading edges of the slide. The grips are very fine with some scattered light dings and scratches. Mechanically needs adjustment as the firing pin is absent. An exceptionally fine example of Colt’s first semi-automatic pistol! Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
358
LOT 1509
Exceptional Prohibition Era Colt Government Model Semi-
Automatic Pistol -
Serial no. C123400, 45
ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, plastic grips. Manufactured in 1920, these Government Model pistols would have been a very desirable weapon for anyone on either side of the law during the crime-rife Prohibition era. The left side of the slide has the standard
two-line address and patent dates while the right has the caliber marking followed by the Rampant Colt. The left of the trigger guard is marked “T/VP” and the right of the frame has the Government Model marking over the serial number, and
“82” on the slide. The barrel has a polished chamber hood and “I” on the bottom in front of the lug. It is fitted with blade and notch sights, checkered slide release, thumb safety, and wide hammer, long smooth trigger, a smooth straight mainspring housing with a lanyard loop base, diamond pattern checkered grips, and an unmarked two-tone magazine. Includes a leather dual-cavity magazine pouch marked “US” and “J.Q.M.D./1948/E.N.S.” on the back and two extra magazines.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 97% plus of the original blue finish with some scattered light handling marks, more concentrated on the front grip strap, some light wear on the leading edges of the slide, and a very small patch of light pitting near the lower edge on the left of the slide. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Mac McCroskie Collection. Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000