1782

Extremely Fine Colt Model 1905 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,750.00 USD Estimated At:5,500.00 - 7,500.00 USD
Extremely Fine Colt Model 1905 Semi-Automatic Pistol
Buyer's Premium is 20.5% by credit card, reduced to 18% if payment is made by cash, check or wire transfer. Contact Rock Island Auction Company to complete your registration with the auction house.

Estimate: $5500 - 7500
This is a very fine example of a very desirable Colt Model 1905 Military pistol. This was Colt's first real entry into the semi-automatic pistol field with a gun that was chambered in the new more powerful 45 ACP round. This exact model and caliber were the true forerunner to the Model 1911 series of pistol, which as we know ushered in 80 years of Colt Model 1911 production for the U.S. Military. There were only a total of 6,100 produced from 1905 to 1911, with this exact pistol being manufactured in early 1907. The left side of the slide has the Colt two-line/two-block markings of "PATENTED/APR. 20. 1897. SEPT. 9. 1902. DEC. 19. 1905" and "COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO./HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A." with the Colt circled Rampant Horse trademark behind the slide serrations. The right side of the slide has the two-line, one block markings of "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 45 RIMLESS SMOKELESS". The early three digit serial number (544) is located on the left side of the frame above the trigger guard bow. The upper left trigger guard bow bears the Colt "VP" triangle proof and the lower is marked with a "W" sub-inspector proof. The top of the slide has the early small, half-moon front sight with the early round ear rear sight and it has the later checkered round spur hammer with the half-cock notch and the early brass firing pin. The grips are checkered walnut with the diamond pattern around the grip screws. These early pistols have the Colt high-polish blue finish with the Colt niter-blue finish on the trigger, extractor, grip screws and magazine release. It is complete with an all blue unmarked Colt magazine. This exquisite pistol comes complete with a very rare early M1911 all leather double magazine pouch as manufactured by Rock Island Arsenal in 1913. The pouch itself is marked on the back "ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 1913" and it has the brass "Eagle Snap" on the front. In addition the back is unit marked "3 F 57/ 10 /43", which means 3rd Calvary, F Troop, number 57. This lot is accompanied by the book titled "The Colt Model 1905 Automatic pistol" by Potocki.
BBL: 5 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut checkered
Serial Number: 544
Condition: Very fine with 95% plus of the original Colt high polish blue finish overall with some minor thinning and fading of the blue on the grip straps. The grips are excellent with a nice light, honey brown colored walnut on both grips. The checkering is sharp and distinct with just some very minor handling marks. The leather magazine pouch is fine with a nice even dark brown color overall with tight stitching and rivets with clear sharp markings on the back. This is an attractive Colt Model 1905 semi-automatic pistol.