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COLT MODEL 1900 SIGHT SAFETY SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 4,000.00 USD
COLT MODEL 1900 SIGHT SAFETY SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.

Cal. 38 Rimless (38 ACP). S# 3182. Bbl. 6". Mfg. 1902 w/in S# range 1400-3499 (1900-1903; approx. 3,500 units commercially, 4,274 total). Colt's earliest semi auto pistol & most limited production model. Some ordered by Army & Navy w/ their markings on left front of trigger bow. Civilian model w/ high spur hammer & unusual safety at rear slide that will block hammer function & also serves as its rear sight; semi circular front sight on slide. First models had smooth walnut grips, this one has checkered hard rubber grips (beginning at S# 2450) w/ Colt at top & Rampant Colt insignia at midpoint. References state commercial models had front slide serrations like this pistol after about S# 2000. References state about mid 1901 rear sight/safety was replaced w/ dovetailed sight like on Model 1902's. Under special order unusual grips such as carved pearl could be ordered as well as trigger pull weights. Some examples were fitted w/ rnd. top hammer as used on Model 1902 starting as early as S# 2400. April 19, 1900 issue of 'Shooting and Fishing' tested S#1 & predicted a bright future for semi auto handguns. S# 420 went to CJ Ehbets who had the patent for Colt's early autos; Browning Bros. also received an early one. Its successor, Model 1902 had robust sales; both military & commercial. Hammer & sight/safety are case colored, frame & slide are deep, bright blue plus Niter blued sm. parts. MAGS: fair nickel plated 7 rd. w/ characteristic base marking of "PAT'D SEPT. 9, 1884". Much of body has patina & flaked off finish yet front edge & spine plus upper half of left are noticeably better. CONDITION: good original finish w/ gray toned patina on top of slide & in grip area. Faded case colors w/ traces showing on sides of hammer & safety. Niter blued items very good w/ some function wear on trigger. Sides of slide have cleaned peppery oxidation; sides of frame similar but to lesser degree. Grips very good to excellent w/ light rub mark spots on right. Good plus bore w/ even light frosting throughout. PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of Kenneth Horn (Grandson of JC Higgins). (22-418/NW). CURIO. $2,500-4,000.