This Colt Model 1905 pistol was manufactured in 1906. Colt shipping records reproduced in "The Government Models" by William H.D. Goddard list Model 1905 serial number 883 as being shipped to: "Missoula Merc., Co., R.K. Carter 7 Co." on October 2, 1906. This pistol is listed by serial number on a hand-written inventory of the Elmer Keith gun collection dated April 1972 and described as: "P 112 Colt Auto Model 1905/Back strap grooved for shoulder stock holster/Very rare". Colt manufactured fewer than 500 Model 1905 Automatic Pistols with frames modified to accept the special combination stock and holster in 1906 and 1908. The 1906 group falls within the 1-1500 serial number range which includes this pistol. This exact pistol is also pictured on pages 101-102 of the book "Sixguns" by Elmer Keith, one of the captions indicating the gun as being out of the author's collection. The pistol has the high polish Colt commercial blue finish on the frame and slide. The trigger, extractor spring, slide lock, stock screws and small parts have a fire blue finish. The hammer is color casehardened. The two-piece walnut grips are checkered with small diamond escutcheons surrounding the stock screws. The seven shot magazine has a full blue finish with unmarked floor plate. The pistol has the early rounded hammer with knurled top and half-cock notch used through serial number 3600. The left side of the slide is roll-stamped with the third style markings with 1905 patent date and "COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO./HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A." followed by the encircled Rampant Colt trademark behind the slide serrations. The right side of the slide is roll-stamped: "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 45 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" in two lines ahead of the ejection port. The serial number, "883", is stamped on the left side of the frame and the Colt "Triangle/VP" proofmark is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard bow. The combination stock/holster is made of black cowhide and is lined with russet leather. The holster flap is secured by a closing strap with brass finial, and the back of the holster has a spring fastened leather belt loop. The stock mount is brass with a knurled steel catch. The holster is not marked but conforms exactly to the example pictured in the 1909 Colt catalog. Colt Model 1905 pistols with combination shoulder stock and holster are rare. Note: This item is restricted under various state-level assault weapons bans and cannot be sold or transferred to residents of IL or NY. Please check your local laws and regulations prior to bidding. Provenance: The Elmer Keith Collection; Private Collection