Make: Colt

Model: Military Model of 1902

Serial Number: 34115

Year of Manufacture: 1911

Caliber: .38 A.C.P.

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

Barrel Length: 6”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a round-top "U"-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece pearl panels with recessed Colt medallions. The left panel has broken across the bottom of the medallion and been repaired. The right panel has a vertical surface crack behind the medallion and a ding at the bottom edge toward the front. There are some other scattered minor marks and a little discoloration. The Colt Archives letter does not list the type of stocks, it is likely that these are replacements. Overall, the grips are in Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original, this pistol was produced when the slides were not serial-marked. The steel firing pin is a replacement.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are evenly scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. The slide wedge has an intact indexing stud. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol has a half-cock hammer safety, a spur hammer and the slide serrations are at the rear of the slide (late model). We did not fire this handgun.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One 8 round blued magazine is included. The right feed lip has a tiny crack at the rear. A Colt Archives letter is included which notes that the pistol originally shipped to Simmons Hardware Company in St. Louis, Missouri on September 7, 1911 as one of five pistols of the same type in the shipment.

Our Assessment: The 1902 is one of the most beautiful handguns ever made and an important link along the evolution line of the 1911. This example was made in 1911, just as production of the 1911 had began. It looks great for its age, retaining the great majority of its original finish, a decent bore and strong mechanics. A set of pearl grips with Colt medallions is installed which is likely a period replacement. The included Colt Archives letter indicates that this pistol originally shipped to Simmons Hardware Co. in St. Louis. As time goes on, fewer of these pistols will be available, and this would be a great one to add to a Colt collection missing the 1902. Please see our photos and good luck!