Colt Model 1902 Military .38 ACP Serial Number 38341
- This pistol was manufactured late in 1916. Finish is
high polish blue with
blue small parts, fire blue pins and black checkered hard
rubber stocks. The hammer and
lanyard loop are color case hardened.
This Colt 1902 Military .38 ACP was one of four guns shipped
to Atlas Powder Company, Address unavailable, c/o E.J.
Riederer, Supt. (Superintendent) on September 14, 1915.
Factory box for the Colt Model 1902 Military .38 ACP
Colt Model 1902 Military .38 ACP, serial
number 38341, right side.
When the early style slide serrations were
relocated to the back of the slide as on this pistol, the "BROWNING'S
PATENT" (left side) and "MODEL 1902" (right side) slide
markings were no longer used. The September 9, 1902 patent
covered several features, but the most significant
improvement was the slide lock device. The concept
surrounding this John Browning designed modification was
utilized by Browning in the design of the Model 1911. The
earliest examples have split slide locks which were used to
create tension on the groove in the frame. This later type
was used from 1907 forward.
Colt Model 1902 serial number 38341 pictured
with factory box, instructions, special instructions and
factory wire and black bristle cleaning brush.
Colt Model 1902 serial number 38341 pictured
with factory box, instructions, special instructions and
factory wire and black bristle cleaning brush.
This example does not have the takedown hole
(which was no longer needed to disassemble the gun due to
the modifications as specified in John Browning's September
9, 1902 patent) remained as part of the standard machining
process. This takedown hole disappeared in 1908.
Colt Model 1902 Military magazine, full
blue, unmarked base plate The
earliest style of 1902 Military magazines were nickel
plated. In the high 13000 serial number range, the nickel
magazines were replaced with full blue variations with the
same patent marking. In 1905 in the 12000 serial number
range, the patent date was omitted. |