Colt Model 1902 Sporting .38 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, MFD 1903 w/ Holster
SOLD FOR: $1,827.00
LSB#: LSB250731EK181
Make: Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Mfg. Co.
Model: 1902 Sporting Model
Serial Number: 3912
Year of Manufacture: 1903 (per Colt serial records)
Caliber: .38 Rimless Smokeless (.38 ACP)
Action Type: Single-Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings:
The left side of the slide is marked “BROWNING’S PATENT / PAT’D APRIL 20. 1897”, followed by “COLT’S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO. / HARTFORD. CONN. U.S.A.” The left rear of the frame bears the Rampant Colt in circle. The right side of the slide is marked “AUTOMATIC COLT / CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS”. The underside of the frame ahead of the trigger guard is marked “3912”, and the rear grip frame is stamped “PAT’D SEPT. 9, 1884”.
Barrel Length: 6”
Sights / Optics:
The front sight is a rounded blade integral to the slide. The rear sight is a small rounded notch dovetailed to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition:
The grips are early checkered hard rubber panels with the “COLT” banner at top and Rampant Colt medallion in oval at center. They fit properly and show light handling wear with some smoothing in the checkering but no major losses.
Finish Originality:
The pistol retains a mostly gray patina with scattered patches of oxidation, shallow pitting in several small areas, and evidence of old cold blue touch-up. The overall presentation is honest and uniform, consistent with age and long-term holster carry.
Bore Condition:
The bore is semi-bright to bright with defined rifling and light surface wear. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition:
This pistol retains approximately 5% of its original finish blended with even patina throughout. There is visible edge wear, scattered oxidation, and traces of pitting on the slide flats and frame. Three are traces of vold blue found throughout. The markings remain clear and legible, including all patent dates. The grips remain intact with tight fitment. The slide serrations and early mechanical profile are distinct to this early Sporting Model production.
Mechanics:
The action functions correctly, the slide reciprocates smoothly, and the magazine release and manual safety operate properly. The hammer locks and releases crisply. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories:
This pistol includes a period leather flap holster embossed “US” on the cover, with intact flap and brass stud closure. Stitching is sound and leather remains supple for its age.
Our Assessment:
The Colt Model 1902 Sporting Automatic represents the direct evolution of John Browning’s Model 1900 and was the first truly successful Colt semi-automatic pistol produced in quantity. Chambered in .38 Automatic (also known as .38 ACP), the cartridge offered impressive velocity for the time and was a key transitional round in the development of the later .38 Super and even the .45 ACP. The Sporting Model, produced between 1902 and 1907, was designed without the lanyard ring and with a rounded butt for civilian markets—a refinement over the Military Model’s more utilitarian configuration.
Serial number 3912 places this example among early production, made in 1903, at the dawn of Browning’s semi-auto lineage at Colt. The markings include the 1897 patent date referencing Browning’s original slide-operated mechanism, one of the most influential designs in automatic pistol history. Its sleek lines, flat slide profile, and absence of grip safety make it one of the most aesthetically elegant automatics Colt ever built. Though it bears surface wear from age and honest use, this pistol retains excellent mechanical integrity and a fine bore, paired with its early leather holster—an evocative companion from the era when America’s transition from revolvers to automatics was just beginning.
As referenced in Clawson’s “Colt .45 Service Pistols” and Meadows’ “U.S. Military Automatic Pistols”, the Model 1902 Sporting remains a foundational collectible for students of Browning’s early designs and Colt’s pioneering work in automatic arms.
We are no longer offering layaway. KF
