1246

COLT MODEL 1900 U.S. MARKED SEMI-AUTO

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:900.00 USD Estimated At:1,800.00 - 2,500.00 USD
COLT MODEL 1900 U.S. MARKED SEMI-AUTO

PISTOL. Cal. 38 Rimless. S# 184. Bbl. 6". Mfg. 1900 (1900-1903; 3500 units). 2 Army contracts of S# 90-150 and 1600-1750. First contract had "U.S." on left front of trigger bow like this one; second contract had "RAC" on right side. Additionally either grip initialed "J.T.T." along with stamped "1900". Navy contracted for 50 numbered USN 1 to USN 50; remaining examples considered commercial. Reference book examples show smooth walnut grips; left grip on this pistol is nicely checkered but somewhat coarse plus right grip has very coarse hobbyist checkering with no diamond tops. References illustrate rear cocking grooves to be square cut; this slide has rear angled cut cocking grooves as illustrated for 1902 military models. 1900 models incorporated a notch in the top rear of slide mounted safety with a cross pivot pin in the slide about 1/2" from rear. 1902 models have a distinct rear sight and a cross pivot pin about 3/16" from rear. This slide has both features with no example found in reference books showing both cross pins at once. Slide legends have Model 1900 appearance. Early S# seems to rule out concept of transitional piece. Correct spur hammer and wood grips; 1902 models used checkered hard rubber grips. Blued finish w/ case colored hammer. Mfg. w/out lanyard loop. MAGS: 1 good factory nickel plated 7 rd. having patent date on base. Numerous areas of spotted finish loss. CONDITION: good overall appearance w/ gray patina tone having traces of Colt bright blue. Backstrap with even light oxidation and pitting. Very good appearing left grip, right grip suffers from checkering workmanship. Very good bore w/ slight wear. Hammer spring noticeably weak. (22-4279/NW). CURIO. $1,800-2,500.