Colt Centennial Model 1903

Additional Issues:
The Centennial Model 1903 - Nickel Edition
The Centennial Model 1903 - Crown Jewel Edition

The Centennial Model 1903 - Golden Edition

Only a select number of original Colt firearms have been elaborately engraved to become some of the finest presentation firearms of all time—great art pieces. One of the most famous of these firearms, held in high regard by the military, law enforcement and collectors alike, is the Colt Model 1903, also known as the Colt Model M. Introduced in 1903, the John M. Browning-designed .32 pocket automatic was the first of the Colt firearms “hammerless” models. The Colt Model 1903 was created and regularly carried by military, as well as police. No collection of military firearms could be complete without the classic Model 1903. But production ceased in 1952 (with a total of only two specimens being finally assembled in 1953 and 1954), so they are not available at your local gun shop or through ‘normal’ channels.

Three Handsome Models

Now, more than 100 years after its introduction, and more than 50 years after its last production, this is the world’s first Limited Edition of this classic firearm. The opportunity is strictly limited in your choice of three editions — a “One of 100” Engraved Edition, a “One of 50” Golden Engraved Edition, and a “One of 25” Crown Jewels, Gold and Ivory Engraved Edition.

Engraved on an Original Colt Model 1903 Pistol

Each Colt firearm stands as a tribute to the gunsmiths and engravers of the early Colt Armory with its famous Onion Dome, the very building in which each of these pistols was made between 1903 and 1952, when production ended. Indeed, each is more than 50-years old, so each is designated a “Curio or Relic” by the BATF. But for this special edition, each is custom engraved, with these special features:

All steel surfaces are polished to a mirror finish.
The engraving is all by hand using the traditional hammer-and-chisel method.
In honor of the Centennial of the Model M, an intricate cartouche is hand engraved on the right, presentation side of each pistol frame.

Hard Nickel Engraved Edition “One of 100”

The Model 1903 Engraved Edition is embellished with traditional, hammer-and-chisel hand engraving by some of America's finest engravers. Both sides of the slide and frame feature the classic Colt factory engraving pattern correct for this model and intertwine the Centennial cartouche. Each is custom deluxe plated with Hard Nickel, for lasting beauty and hard-wearing protection. As a contrast to the gleaming Hard Nickel plating, rich genuine Ebony grips are custom fitted.

Golden Engraved Edition “One of 50”

The Golden Engraved Edition Centennial Model 1903 is completely plated with 24-Karat Gold, to Jewelers Grade-Heavy thickness. This Golden Edition pistol features full coverage of hammer-and-chisel hand engraving across both sides of the slide; both sides of the frame, inter-twining the Centennial cartouche; and across the top of the slide. Custom, hand fitted genuine Mother-of-Pearl grips beautifully complement the 24-Karat Gold and hand engraving.

Crown Jewels™ Gold Engraved Edition “One of 25”

The Crown Jewels, Gold and Ivory Engraved Edition Model 1903 allows our engravers, goldsmiths and jewelers the chance to really express themselves and assure these pistols a place of immortality in firearms history. Each Colt pistol is lavished with, Helfricht-inspired, hand engraved scrollwork across both sides of the slide and frame, intertwining the Centennial cartouche, and across the top of the slide. Extra engraving further adorns the backstrap, grip safety, and triggerguard. Each pistol is then completely plated in 24-Karat Gold to Jewelers Grade-Heavy thickness. Especially for these 25 pistols, the grips are hand carved of genuine Ivory and are hand fitted. The right grip is fitted with solid 24-Karat Gold inlay which is hand engraved with the coat of arms and is inlaid with three (symbolic of 1903) sparkling Gem-Quality Diamonds and three Gem-Quality Colt-Blue Sapphires. The front and rear sights are hand carved and hand fitted of genuine solid Ivory, en suite with the grips.

Display Case:

Also available is a custom made, luxuriously lined Display Case with locking glass lid and engraved identification plaque to display and protect your Tribute from dust and unauthorized handling.

Reservation Form

I wish to reserve (Quantity) of the "Centennial Model 1903 - Golden Edition", a working Colt pistol, at the price of $3,995*. Each pistol is numbered and registered within the limited edition of 50, and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Thirty-day return privilege.

Please charge my credit card a deposit of $195 per pistol. I will pay the balance prior to delivery at the rate of $380 per month, with no interest or carrying charge.

Optional Display Case:

I also wish to reserve the optional luxuriously lined Display Case. Please add $149 to the final payment.

I do not wish to order the optional luxuriously lined Display Case at this time.

* All orders are subject to acceptance and availability. If I cancel my reservation prior to delivery, I will receive a full refund, less a commissioning fee of $195. Shipping and handling will be added to each order. Virginia residents please add sales tax.

The Centennial Model 1903 - Golden Edition

A Hand-Engraved Original Colt 1903 Pistol