Colt Model 1902 Sporting .38 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R MFD 1905

SOLD FOR: $1,025.00

LSB#: WY241008CW027

Make: Colt

Model: 1902 Sporting

Serial Number: 8568

Year of Manufacture: 1905 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .38 ACP (.38 Rimless Smokeless)

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

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked ““BROWNING’S PATENT” / PAT’D APR. 20. 1897 / SEPTEMBER 9. 1902”, “COLT’S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”, and at the rear with the Rampant Colt logo in a circle. The left side of the frame is marked “8568”, found again marked on the bottom of the slide. The right side of the slide is marked “AUTOMATIC COLT / CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS”.

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 heavy wear. There are a few other scattered light marks. The checkering is generally worn smooth. Overall, the grips are in Poor condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and infrequent minor pitting in the bore.  In the opinion of the writer the bore rates 4/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 3% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows operational and handling wear.  The majority of the finish has been loss and is to the white.  The rust and patina throughout the metal.  There is some scattered pitting throughout. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The slide and frame have light tool marks at the slide wedge. The pin heads range from unmarred to tool marked and slightly peened. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The wedge retains its indexing pin. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about fair condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has little play to the frame. 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 magazine is included. The magazine shows operational wear and scattered minor oxidation with intact feed lips and a strong spring. The floorplate is marked “PAT’D SEPT.9 1884”.

Our Assessment: Colts Model 1900 pistol was the first of John Browning’s pistol designs to reach full production. Such was Browning’s genius that he developed many innovations which are considered commonplace today, not least of which is the concept of “the slide”. As with any new design, there were small hiccups along the way and towards the end of 1901, Colt started changing the 1900 Model’s sight safety, which only offered a fixed sight, to a sight that was dovetailed into the slide to offer windage adjustment. With a few other minor changes, the pistol transitioned into the Model 1902 Sporting and Military Models and into the M1903 Pocket Hammer model, the beginnings of over a century of pistol manufacturing dominance in the U.S. market. This Model 1902 Sporting pistol was made in 1905, with proper features for this serial range including fixed convex takedown plug, second variation slide markings, front plunge slide serrations, stub hammer and the bronze firing pin of the early Colt automatics. The pistol is in about Good overall condition with about 3% of its metal finish remaining. The bore is gray with light erosion and infrequent minor pitting. All of the early Colt autos are collectible, and the low volume of Model 1902 Sporting pistols produced adds to their collector value with fewer than 7,000 made. This example, with original finish remaining, will make a great addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids!-C.M.

Colt Model 1902 Sporting .38 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R MFD 1905
Colt Model 1902 Sporting .38 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R MFD 1905