Lot 202

Factory Tool Room Sample Colt Model 1900 "Sight Safety" Pistol

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Factory Tool Room Sample Colt Model 1900 "Sight Safety" Pistol

Estimate: $5,000 - $7,500

Starting Bid: $4,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Scarce Factory Tool Room Sample Colt Model 1900 "Sight Safety" Semi-Automatic Pistol Manufactured c. 1900-1902, this is an extremely scarce factory tool room example of the desirable Colt Model 1900 "Sight Safety" pistol. The first Browning-designed automatic pistol to hit the American market, the Model 1900 is a critical step in 20th century arms development, starting the chain of progressive refinements and evolutions that would lead to the genre-defining 1911/Government Model semi-automatic pistol. Unfinished examples such as this one were used in different parts of the Colt factory during different phases of production for comparing measurements and testing various components. This particular example appears to have been used for inspection of and testing the fit of magazines, as the left of the frame is marked "For Magazine Ins". Like most examples of "tool room" guns, this pistol remains in an unfinished state, bearing none of the typical markings, a rough polish, and no finish, being only completed to the level needed for testing the specific component. The left side of the slide is hand marked with a faint name which appears to read "G. O. POCK". It is not fitted with a left grip panel so the magazine can be viewed when it's inserted and there is a small additional milled "skeletonized"/cutaway window for viewing the magazine retention spring. It is not fitted with a front sight blade. It is fitted with a non-functioning rear sight safety and a standard checkered hard rubber right grip panel with "COLT" banner and Rampant Colt. The magazine has the typical nickel finish and 1884 patent date on the base.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1900

BBL: 6 inch round

Gauge: 38 ACP

Finish: bright

Grips: hard rubber

Serial NumberNSN

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Fine as a factory tool room test pistol, showing mostly bright, "in the white", never finished, grey patina with a few scattered patches of brown patina, some scattered minor handling marks, and some patches of light pitting. The grip is very fine with minimal handling evidence and distinct checkering. The slide is stiff and the sight safety spring is absent, otherwise mechanically functions. A great piece for a Colt Model 1900 pistol collection!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000