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5B-235
| 5B-235 | Values—Very Good $250 | Exc. $500 |
Standard model, with dates as above, plus either 1910 or 1910 and 1917; former type with rubber grips; latter with rubber or checkered walnut:
| 5B-236 | Values—Very Good $250 | Exc. $500 |
U.S. Property marked; No known formal government contracts or Colt records showing direct sale. However, definite proof of U.S. ownership and marking. Almost all likely for clandestine WW II O.S.S. use (after war, the Central Intelligence Agency). Most acquired in small lot purchases by U.S. Ordnance Dept. direct from dealers/jobbers; some even second hand and by gift.
Usual markings U.S. (or “United States”) PROPERTY; some with Ordnance cross-cannon/flaming bomb/circle insignia. Die size and placement of marks vary depending on arsenal or facility where applied. None observed with proofs or inspector markings; most with Parkerized finish. (Most definitive study MAN-at-ARMS, Feb., 1995.) Caution should be exercised as spurious examples known:
| 5B-237 | Values—Very Good $950 | Exc. $2,750 |
Colt Model “M” Hammerless 380 Pocket Auto
Model “M” Hammerless 380 Pocket Automatic Pistol; a.k.a. “Model 1908 Hammerless” and “Model 1903 Hammerless.” Manufactured from 1908-1945; total quantity over 138,000.
380 ACP caliber. Magazine capacity 7 shots. Barrel length 3-3/4" only.
Three types of hard rubber grips with COLT and rampant colt embossed motifs used up to 1924; balance of production checkered walnut with Colt medallion inlays. Blued finish standard; large quantity also made with nickel plated finish.
Serial numbered in individual series from 1 through 138009. Left side of slide marked with two patent dates (1897 and 1903) with Colt company name and Hartford address. Right side marked AUTOMATIC COLT (after 1915 changed to COLT AUTOMATIC) with second line reading CALIBRE 380 HAMMERLESS.
The actual factory designation for both the 380 and 32 hammerless was merely “Model M.” The use of issue dates as model names is apparently a later collector designation.
Basic variations are:
1st Type: 3-3/4" barrel with barrel bushing; serial range from 1 to 6251:
5B-238
| 5B-238 | Values—Very Good $400 | Exc. $700 |
2nd Type: 3-3/4" barrel without barrel bushing; serial range 6252 to 92893:
| 5B-238.3 | Values—Very Good $275 | Exc. $450 |
3rd Type (Commercial): 3-3/4" barrel with added magazine safety: serial range 92894 to 133649:
| 5B-238.8 | Values—Very Good $275 | Exc. $425 |
3rd Type (Military): 3-3/4" barrel with added magazine safety; right side of frame marked U.S. PROPERTY. Blued finish; serial range 133650 to 138009. Some in this group may have an “M” preceding the serial number:
| 5B-239 | Values—Very Good $950 | Exc. $2,500 |
Colt Model 1909 45 Automatic Pistol
Model 1909 45 Automatic Pistol. Manufactured 1910; quantity made approximately 23.
45 rimless, smokeless caliber. Magazine capacity 7 shots. Barrel length 5". High polished blued finish; casehardened hammer, grip safety and mainspring housing. Checkered walnut grips. Serial numbered 0 to 23 on left frame.
Markings: Patent dates 1897, 1902, 1905 with Colt name and Hartford address on left side of slide; AUTOMATIC COLT CALIBRE 45 RIMLESS SMOKELESS on right slide.
The Model 1909 manufactured as a trial pistol for the U.S. military; never slated for commercial sale. It marks the advent of single-link decoupling of the barrel/slide. Extremely rare.
Few recorded sales. Values variable; likely in mid five figures for specimens in top condition grades.
5B-239.5
5B-239.5
Colt Model 1910 45 Automatic Pistol
Model 1910 Automatic Pistol. Manufactured 1910; quantity approximately 10.
Caliber, magazine capacity, barrel length, checkered grips, and finish all similar to above (hammer bright blue). Serial numbered 1 through 10 on left frame.
Slide markings same as Model 1909.
The Model 1910 exhibits first appearance of the slanted grip profile of its ultimate successor, the famous Model 1911 series. It also has development features directly attributed to John Browning. Extremely rare.
Few recorded sales. Values variable; likely in mid five figures for specimens in top condition grades.
5B-239.6
5B-239.6
Colt Model 1911 Special Army 45 Automatic Pistol
Model 1911 Special Army 45 Automatic Pistol. (Not illus.) Manufactured 1911; total quantity 12. About identical in appearance/profile to Model 1911 Civilian/Military series following.
Caliber, magazine capacity, barrel length, checkered grips, finish (blued hammer) similar to Model 1910 above. Serial numbered 1 through 12 on left frame.
Slide markings, patent dates identical to above with Colt rampant colt trademark at left rear of slide. Has thumb safety.
This pistol was the final victor in the Colt-Savage trials and direct predecessor of the Model 1911. Extremely rare.
Few recorded sales. Values variable; likely in mid five figures for specimens in top condition grades.
5B-239.7