2100

COLT 1 OF FIRST 50 MODEL 1900 SLIDE, MAGAZINE &

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
COLT 1 OF FIRST 50 MODEL 1900 SLIDE, MAGAZINE &
GRIPS.
Extremely early Model 1900 Colt slide with hand engraved markings as found ONLY on the first 50 produced. The slide has an early rear sight / safety that was changed by mid 1901. The rear underside of the slide is numbered "00". The slide serrations are machine cut (not uniform); appears individually done by machine using an operator controlled spacing & length. Also, serrations are slots rather than angled grooves as is common on most pistols. The Model 1900 in the then new 38 Rimless caliber was Colt's first semi-auto pistol. Manufacturing was from 1900 to 1903 and limited to just 3,500 units of which 50 went to the Navy plus 200 to the Army. The slide's finish is a cleaned patina appearance over aged light pitting. The hand engraving on the slide is very clear. The slide is complete except for missing its front sight blade. The grips are smooth walnut (used until mid 1900 when hard rubber became standard) having an oil finish & light handling marks; overall very good. The 7 round magazines had an 1884 patent date on their bases, but this original magazine is not marked. The sides of the magazine have significant cleaned prior pitting plus a very light dent at bottom of the left side. The latch area has a raised detent in addition to its cross slot. This is a very early package that may even be from the prototype Model 1900 given all the details such as "00" on the slide having irregular cocking grooves. (02-17437-5/NW). $1,000-3,000.