Colt Model 1902 Military Model .38 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R 1909

SOLD FOR: $1,375.00

LSB#: LSB250802TS012

Make: Colt

Model: 1902 Military

Serial Number: 34032

Year of Manufacture: 1909 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .38 ACP (.38 Rimless Smokeless)

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol Fed By Removable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked ““PATENTED / APR. 20.1897 SEPT.9.1902” and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG CO. / HARTFORD.CT U.S.A.”, and at the rear with the Rampant Colt logo in a circle. The left side of the frame is marked “34032”. The right side of the slide is marked “AUTOMATIC COLT / CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS”. The bottom of the magazine is marked “MIL / COLT / 38 CAL”. 

Barrel Length: 6”

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

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered 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 scattered marks and handling wear throughout. There are compression marks and scratches throughout. The checkering is well defined in most areas and smooth in others. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Very Good Condition.  

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with defined rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. There is fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates a 7.5 out of 10. 

Overall Condition: This pistol retains 65% of its original finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There are scratches, nicks, and finish loss throughout. Most of the wear is on the slide. The finish loss is concentrated on the slide and leading edges. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Good Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol has a half-cock hammer safety, a spur hammer, and the slide serrations are at the rear of the slide. The slide was not designed to lock back on an empty magazine. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One 7 round blued magazine is included. The magazine is in about Good condition.

Our Assessment: This Colt 1902 Military .38 ACP presents as a solid, usable example of an early Colt semi-automatic, grading overall Good Plus. The pistol retains about 65% of its original blued finish with the majority of wear concentrated on the slide and leading edges; there are scattered scratches, nicks and finish loss consistent with service and storage. The checkered hard-rubber grips are in Very Good condition with well defined (though in places smoothed) checkering. The bore is bright with defined rifling and rates 7.5/10 (some fouling noted). Markings are clear; screw heads vary from sharp to tool-marked. One 7-round blued magazine is included and is in about Good condition.

The action functions correctly. This pistol features the original half-cock hammer safety; the 1902 slide was not designed to lock open on an empty magazine. We did not fire the handgun. As with all vintage firearms, a thorough cleaning and lubrication is recommended before use. Overall, a handsome collectible that is suitable for safe display or careful range use after routine service. Please see our photos and good luck with your bid! -N.P