Description
Introducing a remarkable piece of firearm history, the Colt Model 1900, renowned for its innovative ‘sight safety’ feature, stands as a prototype of immense historical significance. Crafted around the turn of the century, circa 1900, this exceptional pistol is the precursor to subsequent’ sight safety’ models. Bady meticulously chronicles its development on pages 105-107 of ‘Colt Automatic Pistols’. Originally a proud part of the esteemed Sidney Aberman automatic pistol collection, the Colt Model 1900’s design was groundbreaking.
However, military personnel and civilian sharpshooters found its initial sight/safety mechanism lacking, leading to the evolution of this unique prototype. The pistol’s slide maintains the original slot of the sight safety, enhanced by a longitudinal dovetail cut to incorporate a new fixed rear sight.
The evolution of the design is evident in the meticulous craftsmanship that integrates a small filler block above the brass/bronze firing pin, aligning with the rear sight cross-pin—a testament to the prototype’s transitional nature. Modern additions include a checkered round top hammer, reminiscent of later models, and a striking ‘1900’ stamp on the left grip panel, complemented by the ‘1/R.W.W’ inspector’s initials etched on the right—a nod to its prototype status without a serial number. Firearm enthusiasts and collectors will surely appreciate this attention to detail and quality craftsmanship.
The Colt Model 1900 is a significant milestone in Colt’s history. It marked the company’s entry into semi-automatic pistol manufacturing, a venture led by the renowned John M. Browning. Approximately 3,500 units were produced in the original run starting in 1900, serving both commercial markets and military requirements.
The left side of the slide proudly displays early Colt inscriptions, including “BROWNING’S PATENTS,” which refers to the patents held by John M. Browning, and “PAT. D APRIL 20, 1897,” indicating the date of the patent. Additionally, it features “COLT’S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO./HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A.”
Design elements, such as the sixteen serrations at the front of the slide and the iconic Rampant Colt logo, highlight its authenticity and heritage. On the right side of the slide, you will find the marking “AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS” located ahead of the ejection port, along with the identification number “#2667.”
The model showcases a uniform blued metal finish, complemented by a case-hardened rear sight and hammer. It is completed with a blued seven-round magazine that has a plain base plate.
