Colt Model 1902 Military 1st Year .38 ACP Rimless Semi-Auto Pistol 1902 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1350

LSB#: 210917MW02

Make: Colt

Model: Military Model of 1902

Serial Number: 15230

Year of Manufacture: 1902 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .38 A.C.P.

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide at the rear is marked with the Rampant Colt logo. The left side of the frame is marked “15230”. The right side of the slide is marked “AUTOMATIC COLT / CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and “T” at the bottom rear. The bottom of the firing pin housing is marked “W”. The front right side of the frame is marked “3” under the slide.

Barrel Length: 6”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the top of the slide. The rear sight is a rounded-top “U” notch dovetailed into the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered black hard rubber with “COLT” in a banner across the tops of the grips and a circled Rampant Colt logo in the center of the grips. The grips show handling wear with some scattered nicks and scratches on the smooth borders. The checkering and lettering are well defined with good detail on the rampant colts. There are a couple small compressions on the border of the logo on the left panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition. There is a lanyard ring on the bottom left side of the grip.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is grey. The rifling is visible. There is erosion and pitting in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 10% of its metal finish.There is pitting throughout. There is a faint patina throughout the frame and slide. There scattered nicks and scratches throughout. There are light tool marks on and around most pin-heads as well as the slide wedge. The screw heads are slightly disfigured with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fair-Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is some play between the slide and frame. This pistol has a half-cock hammer safety, a spur hammer and the slide serrations are at the rear of the slide (late model), indicating that the slide may not be original to the frame. The slide wedge is intact, including its indexing stud. The slide release can be used to lock the slide back for cleaning. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One 8 round magazine is included. The magazine has operational wear, scattered surface oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Good condition.

Our Assessment: The 1902 is one of the most beautiful handguns ever made and an important link along the evolution line of the 1911. The wear on this pistol is honest and could even be considered light for a pistol that’s been around for more than a century. This pistol was made in 1902, the first year of the 1902’s production. While sales continued through 1928, most after 1920 appear to have been sold out of existing inventory with production itself ending earlier. This is an early example of the 1902 military, a wonderful find for the Colt pistol collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!