The Model 1905 pistol was a direct predecessor to the Model 1911 with a total production of approximately 6,100 from 1905 to 1911, making them quite scarce, particularly in outstanding condition like this example which was manufactured in 1909. The right side of the slide is marked "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 45 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" in front of the ejection port. The left side of the slide is marked in two blocks: "PATENTED/APR.20.1897.SEPT.9.1902.DEC.19.1905" and "COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO./HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A." with the circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The serial number is located on the left side of the frame above the trigger guard bow. The upper left trigger guard bow bears the Colt "VP" triangle proof and the lower is marked with a "W". This example has the later style spurred hammer with half-cock notch and casehardened finish. The remainder of the gun is finished in the a high-polish blue, except for the trigger, extractor, grip screws and magazine release, which are nitre blue. The grips are checkered walnut with the diamond pattern around the screws and the correct unmarked magazine is blue with high polished blue on the baseplate. This pistol is listed by serial number on p. 228 of "The Government Models: The Development of the Colt Model of 1911" by William Goddard, where it is shown as shipped to J.B. Crook & Co. on 5 January 1910.