Lot 3270

World War I Era British Proofed Colt Model 1902 Military Pistol

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World War I Era British Proofed Colt Model 1902 Military Pistol

Estimate: $1,800 - $2,750

Starting Bid: $1,600

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Very Fine World War I Era British Proofed Colt Model 1902 Military Semi-Automatic Pistol Manufactured in 1909, these Military Model 1902s, much like most of the early Colt automatics, represented the pinnacle of firearms technology in their time and were the desire of both military men and civilians alike. Given its British proofs and the serial number falling within the range of a 200 gun shipment of these Model 1902 pistols to London Armoury Co. on 17 March 1914, it is almost certain that this pistol found its way to Britain in preparation for war. That shipment is listed on p. 189 of "The Government Models" by Goddard. With the drums of war beginning to beat in Europe and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand sparking World War I just a month after this shipment, these pistols would have been a hot commodity for British officers heading off for war. There are British proofs on the left of the slide and frame, as well as on the chamber of the barrel. The left side of the slide is marked with the two-line patent date and two-line address arranged in two blocks with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The right side of the slide has the two-line caliber marking. The left side of the frame has the serial number and "VP" and "1" on the left of the trigger guard. It is fitted with blade and rounded top notch sights, a lanyard swivel on the lower left of the grip frame, checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts and "COLT" banners, and full blue magazine.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1902 Military

BBL: 6 inch round

Gauge: 38 ACP

Finish: blue

Grips: hard rubber

Serial Number35943

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Very fine, retains 80% plus of the bright, original, high polish blue finish, 85% of the original case colors on the hammer, and 70% of the original nitre blue on small parts with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina, some scattered light scratches and dings, and a few scattered patches of light surface spotting. The grips are also very fine with a few scattered light dings and flat spots and otherwise mostly crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.

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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