Colt Model 1902 Military 38 ACP Rimless Smokeless Semi-Auto Pistol 1915 C&R
Sold For: $1,581
LSB#: 201001DW12
Make: Colt
Model: Military Model of 1902
Serial Number: 37262
Year of Manufacture: 1915 (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 is marked “PATENTED / APR. 20. 1897. SEPT. 9. 1902.”, “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”, and at the rear with the Rampant Colt logo. The left side of the frame is marked “37262”. 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 the left rear with “P”. The bottom of the slide is marked “P” at the rear. The frame rail on the right-front is marked “7”. The right of the barrel at the chamber and the left-rear of the slide each have British proof marks.
Barrel Length: 6”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a thin 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 light handling wear with some scattered minor nicks and scuffs. The checkering and lettering are well defined with good detail on the rampant colts. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray. The rifling is sharp. There is light erosion scattered through the bore, most notable toward the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 70% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The slide has light surface oxidation and minor erosion scattered throughout with strongest finish around the sights and wedge. The frame has stronger finish with most notable finish loss in the grip straps which show light surface oxidation. There are several scattered light nicks, scuffs, and scratches. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. There are tool marks around the hammer screw. The markings are generally clear, the rampant colt on the slide is worn and incomplete. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, and the slide is tight to the 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). The slide release can be used to lock the slide back for cleaning. We did not fire this handgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One 8 round blued magazine is included. The magazine has light operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Very Good-Fine 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 1915 during WWI, when most of Colt’s production was geared up for 1911 pistols. It also has British proof marks, meaning it could have been purchased by a British officer for use as a personal sidearm during the conflict. Its nice finish and wartime manufacture should make this a very nice find for the Colt pistol collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS): This C&R Pistol CAN be sold as a dealer sale in California and CAN be transferred as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) as our Simi Valley location. All C&R firearms must be transferred through your local dealer OR at our Simi Valley location; we cannot ship directly to a C&R holder in California. Out of state residents can disregard this section – your local laws apply.
