Extremely Rare, Prototype, Colt Model 1910 Semi-Automatic Pistol
PREMIERE Firearms Auction December 4th, 5th, & 6th
Rock Island Auction Company – -(AmmoLand.com)- Prototype Colt Model 1910 Semi-Automatic Pistol. Colt manufactured between 12 and 13 of these extremely rare pistols as the direct predecessor in the development of the Model 1911 Automatic Pistol.
The pistol has a high-polish commercial blue finish with casehardened hammer, grip safety and main spring housing. The rear sight, slide lock, trigger, and other small components have a fiery, niter blue finish.
The walnut stocks have rounded tops with fine checkering, small diamonds surrounding the brass screw escutcheons and small stock screws. The pistol has a flat-sided spur hammer with bordered knurling.
The pistol lacks the thumb safety incorporated on the Model 1910 Special Army pistol. The barrel lugs extend completely around the barrel. The pistol is internally serial numbered with “11” stamped on the top of the frame to the right of the disconnector hole.
The right side of the slide is roll-stamped: “AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 45 RIMLESS SMOKELESS” in two lines. The left side of the slide is marked with “PATENTED/APR.20.1897.SEPT9.1902.DEC.19.1905” in two unequal lines followed by “COLT’S PT. F.A.MFG. CO./HARTFORD,CT. U.S.A.” in two lines. (The serial number “11” is the only marking on the frame internally, near the disconnector slot).
Colt shipping records published on page 234 of “THE GOVERNEMNT MODELS” by William Goddard show that Model of 1911 “Special Army” serial number 10 was shipped “With C.L.F Robinson to London on September 2, 1911 and that serial number 13 was shipped to Colt President Albert Foster Jr. on July 27, 1911.
There are no records for the disposition of serial number 11. The Colt Model 1910 Automatic pistol is a key piece in the evolution of the Colt Model 1911pistol; it established the basic configuration for the successful Model 1911 adopted by the U.S. Army on May 5, 1911 which remained in service for nearly 80 years.
Condition:
Very good. The pistol has been professionally restored to nearly new condition. The restoration includes several components that were newly manufactured to the original specifications.
The pistol retains 98% of the high polish blue finish. Nearly all the casehardened finish is present and the case colors are vivid. The small components have nearly all of the fiery, niter blue, finish. The slide markings are sharp. The professionally made grips are near mint with sharp checkering.
This is an outstanding example of an extremely rare, prototype Colt Model 1910 Automatic pistol that would be the centerpiece of any advanced Colt or automatic pistol collection. ( See RIA Auction for Exact Condition Details)
Auction Estimate: $60,000 – $90,000
Auction Details:
Rock Island Auction Company announces the next Premiere Firearms auction to be held at their facilities in Moline, IL. The huge success of our previous sales proves that people are investing in what they know: firearms are solid investments that hold value through economic downturns.
Investing and collecting opportunities abound at Rock Island’s fantastic Premiere Firearms Auction December 4Th, 5Th, & 6Th. At a time when the stock market changes daily, gun collectors are seeing the worth of their investments.
Hard assets are the place to invest your money and gun values continue to rise. This auction has firearms for every level of collecting and investing from Colts to Winchesters and the hundreds of high quality sporting arms. Rock Island’s continued sell through rate of over 97% proves that items that come to RIAC are for sale and now is your chance to make a solid investment.
About:
Rock Island Auction Company has been solely owned and operated by Patrick Hogan. This company was conceived on the idea that both the sellers and buyers should be completely informed and provided a professional venue for a true auction. After working with two other auction companies, Mr. Hogan began Rock Island Auction in 1993. Rock Island Auction Company has grown to be one of the top firearms auction houses in the nation. Under Mr. Hogan’s guidance the company has experienced growth each and every year; and he is the first to say it is his staff’s hard work and determination that have yielded such results.