Colt Model 1900 .38 ACP - Serial Number 1051, Navy Contract

T. Mayer Collection

Colt Model 1900 Sight Safety Serial Number 1051, Navy Contract - The Colt Model 1900 is the first Browning designed automatic pistol model licensed to and manufactured by Colt Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company. This pistol was manufactured in 1900, the first year of production and is the earliest variation of the Model 1900 with rear plunge milled serrations, high polish blue, fire blued small parts and smooth walnut grips.  This pistol was the first serial number of the second shipment to the Navy and was shipped on October 19, 1900. 

Early Model 1900 pistols were fitted with smooth walnut grips.  Grip screws, hammer screw, pins, trigger, slide lock, magazine release and forward frame plug had a turquoise blued finish.  The Sight Safety locked in upward position, this functions as the rear sight.  The sight safety and hammer were color case hardened.  Magazines were full nickel plated and marked "PAT'D SEPT. 9. 1884"

The Navy Contract pistol variation was shipped with the sight safety intact, smooth walnut grips, plunge milled slide serrations and is identified by the triangle and trident markings and the location of the serial number and Navy number on the frame.  This serial number range for this contract included guns in the serial number range from 1001 to 1250 and they were shipped from October 12, 1900 to November 22, 1900.

Colt Model 1900 Right Side - "AUTOMATIC COLT" over "CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS".  Slide featured plunge milled serrations.

Colt Model 1900 left side slide markings - "BROWNING'S PATENT" over "PAT'D APRIL 29, 1897" and COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG CO." over "HARTFORD CONN U.S.A."  Number "USN 51" is on the left side of the frame above the trigger. Note fire blued trigger.  Triangle mark stamped on the upper left flat of the trigger guard.

Unlike the other 1900 models, the Navy contract has the serial number above the trigger on the left side of the frame.  The Navy Trident is also stamped on the upper right flat of the trigger guard.