Make: Colt

Model: 1902 Military

Serial Number: 14369

Year of Manufacture: 1903

Caliber: .38 ACP (.38 Rimless Smokeless)

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Removable Magazine (no magazine included)

Barrel Length: 6"

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

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are Tyler Tru-Fit two-piece smooth black panels with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have only a few small marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original, slide is serial-matching.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling shows wear, but is fairly well defined. There is scattered light erosion and minor pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 10% of its metal finish. There is infrequent remaining finish on exposed surfaces, mostly around raised features. There is stronger finish on the interior. Most exposed surfaces have worn to white or gone to a light patina. There are some light nicks and scratches. There is scattered light surface oxidation and infrequent minor erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The wedge retains its indexing stud. The markings are generally clear, the slide's rampant colt is incomplete. Overall, this pistol is in Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None. Please note, no magazine is included.

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 early example checks a lot of boxes for the collectors with the Browning's Patent slide marking, early slide checkering, bronze firing pin, intact slide wedge and early split slide release. Serialization for the model is odd, starting at 15,000 and counting upward for 200 pistols, then counting downward through 1907 when it almost caught up (down?) to the 1902 Sporting model, then counting back up from 15,201 briefly before skipping to 30,000. While sales continued through 1928, most after 1920 appear to have been sold out of existing inventory with production itself ending earlier.

This early example of the 1902 military is a wonderful find for the Colt pistol collectors. As time goes on, fewer of these pistols will be available, and this would be a nice one to add to a Colt collection missing the 1902 Military. Please see our photos and good luck!