Colt 1905 Auto.

[snipershot1944]

Guys

I'm going to look at what I'm told is a Colt 1905 auto tomorrow that is for sale. Three patent dates, ending in 1905, 45 cal., checkered wood grips, no safeties, supposed to be in pretty nice condition. Serial number in the mid 2000's. Anything special I should be looking for?

David

snipershot1944@yahoo.com

[Oyeboten]

Look cafefully to the front of the Slide where the small 'Key' is, to see if there is any cracking or deformation there ( which can result from using too powerful of Cartridges)

Field Strip it and examine the Barrel to see if any 'bulges'.

Be alert for any clues suggesting the finish may have been re-done. The original finish, even if whispy or thin, should be ( or retain some of the ) characteristic of the Time period, and, small parts '
Fire Blue', or having vestiges of it, anyway. All lettering should be crisp, etc.

Reproduction Magazines for these have been around for quite a while, and, are not well regarded, so, also examine the Magazine with a view of determining it's originality/correctness.

Thats about all I can think of off the top of my head...

Good luck!

[snipershot1944]

Thank you sir. Most of my Colts are military, and if it's not a 1911, 1911a1 or a 32/380 I"m a bit out of my comfort zone. I doubt if I'll keep the 1905 if I buy it, since I'm mostly a military collector.

[snipershot1944]

Just got back from picking up the pistol. Wow, great find. About 97%-98% condition, S/N just under 2500, which would be 1907 manufacture I think, plus it has the original flap holster, set up for cross draw. Kind of looks like a British or Canadian private purchase officer's holster.

I'll try to post photos after I clean it up a bit.

thanks

David

[Malysh]

Just got back from picking up the pistol. Wow, great find. About 97%-98% condition, S/N just under 2500, which would be 1907 manufacture I think, plus it has the original flap holster, set up for cross draw. Kind of looks like a British or Canadian private purchase officer's holster.

I'll try to post photos after I clean it up a bit.

thanks

David

Outstanding, David!
We look forward to see the 1905. Congratulations.

[Oyeboten]

Wow..!


Looking forward to the images!



Sent chills down my spine just reading this..!

[BigG]

97 or 98% and it needs cleaning up?

[snipershot1944]

This is beginning to get interesting. I checked the serial number 2493 in Goddard's book. Pistol was shipped 8-6-07 to LTC Grange Adams. After doing a little Google search, I find that Granger Adams graduated from the USMA in 1876, spent some time in Cuba, and taught at the USMA and St. Johns University. He was posted to the Phillippines as head of the 5th Arty in 1907 for two years (which explains why he needed the 45 and military style holster) and retired in 1916 as a BG. He also was the Arty. Chief for the Punative Expedition in Mexico. Adams was President of the Artillery Board too, and a Coastal Artillery Battery on Oahu was named after him in 1935. The General died in 1928, about 20 miles from me.

[snipershot1944]

Old guns get a little grungy from dried oil, etc.

[AirCommando]

Sounds like you scored big time! Can't wait to see pics of your find!