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LOT 3341
Scarce U.S. Marked “Second Contract” Colt Model 1900 “Sight Safety” Semi-Automatic
Pistol with Rare U.S. Rock Island Arsenal Holster Rig - Serial no. 1627, 38 Colt auto cal., 6 inch round
bbl., blue finish, checkered walnut grips. This is very scarce example of a U.S. marked Colt Model 1900 “Sight Safety” semi-automatic
pistol that was delivered in the second contract order of these rare early pistols. The Army purchased 200 of these early semi-automatics
that were delivered in four shipments, with this pistol in the fourth shipment, 1601-1650, sent on February 4, 1901 to the New York
Arsenal. This specific pistol is stamped on the left side of the frame with serial number “1627”, and the rare “U.S.” property mark is directly
below that on the front left trigger guard bow. This model is discussed on pages 32-35 of the reference book “U.S. Military Automatic
Pistols, 1894-1920” by Meadows. This pistol is not listed by serial number in that reference on page 35, which indicates that it was not
known to the author when the book was written. This pistol still retains its unaltered rear sight safety mechanism, sixteen milled grip
serrations on either front side of the slide, hammer with sharp bordered knurled spur, two-piece, oil finished, walnut grips that are hand
checkered on each side and an original nickel-plated seven-shot magazine. The floor plate is roll-stamped: “PAT’D SEPT. 9. 1884”. The right
side of the slide is marked: “AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS” and on the left side “BROWNING’S PATENT/PAT’D APRIL 20, 1897” and “COLT’S PATENT FIRE ARMS
MFG. CO./HARTFORD. CONN. U.S.A.” The circled Rampant Colt trademark is stamped on the left rear side of the slide. The rare correct Model 1900 U.S. holster is stamped “ROCK ISLAND/
ARSENAL/EHS” on the belt loop, which is stitched to the back and reinforced with two brass rivets, and is embossed “US” in an oval on the flap. Also includes a “ROCK ISLAND/ARSENAL”
marked belt, with ammo pouch. This holster is one of only several hundred Rock Island Arsenal manufactured from 1900-1903.
CONDITION: Very good, retaining 60% of an arsenal type thin dipped refurbished blue finish over light pitting, showing general light wear and blue loss overall with a gray/brown
patina on the grip straps. The markings are clear. The grips are also very good with nice distinct checkering on both sides with some heavier pressure dents/handling marks on the left
side. Mechanically functions apart from the sight safety, which is pushed upward when the hammer is dropped. The holster rig is very good with age/flex cracking and overall tight
stitching. A very nice looking solid representative example of a very scarce U.S. Army second contract Colt Model 1900 sight safety semi-automatic pistol.
Estimate: 9,000 - 14,000
According to "U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1894-1920"
by Meadows, only 200 Colt Model 1900 Sight Safety
Pistols were purchased in the second U.S. Army contract.