Manufactured in 1906, this is both an attractive and solid original representative example of one of only 6,210 Colt "Military Model of 1905" pistols manufactured over a period of six years. These pistols are a very important evolutionary step in the development of Colt automatic pistols and the Model 1911 as they were the first production Colt automatic chambered for the legendary .45 ACP cartridge. Interestingly, this example was shipped to Browning Brothers in Ogden/Salt Lake City, Utah, the retail business of none other than John Moses Browning, the designer of both the Military Model 1905 pistol, as well as the legendary Model 1911. The left side of the slide is marked with the two-line, two-block patent dates and address, with the circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The right side of the slide is marked "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 45 RIMLESS SMOKELESS". The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number, and the left of the trigger guard has a "VP" proof and "6". It has rounded blade front and rounded top notch rear sights, and the rounded checkered hammer. It is fitted with a pair of diamond pattern checkered grips, an unmarked full blue magazine, and a smooth back strap not cut for a shoulder stock. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration (grips not listed) as well as shipment to Browning Brothers of Ogden and Salt Lake City, Utah on 5 June, 1907 in a three gun shipment.

Fine, retains 50% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish with the balance having thinned to a mottled grey and brown patina, primarily on the slide where there are also a few scattered patches of light pitting. The grips are very fine with some scattered light handling marks and crisp, checkering. Mechanically excellent.