I Can't Believe It's Not Sporterized! Mexican Colt 1902 Military

Published on April 23, 2020
Duration: 6:47

This guide details how to authenticate a rare Mexican-contract Colt 1902 Military pistol, focusing on specific markings, the unique Mexican eagle crest, and factory-applied features like mother-of-pearl grips. Expert Ian McCollum highlights key identifiers to distinguish original contract pieces from modified examples, emphasizing their historical significance during the Mexican Revolution.

Quick Summary

Authenticating a Mexican-contract Colt 1902 Military pistol involves checking for the specific Mexican eagle crest engraving on the slide, often slightly off-center, and confirming the .38 ACP caliber. Mother-of-pearl grips were a legitimate factory option for this contract, distinguishing them from later 'sporterized' examples. Serial number verification against shipment dates (1908-1911) is also crucial.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Rare Mexican Colt 1902
  2. 00:43Contract History & Caliber (.38 ACP)
  3. 01:55Shipment Details & Dealer
  4. 03:10Slide Markings & Caliber ID
  5. 03:42The Mexican Eagle Crest
  6. 04:38Revolutionary Service & Photos
  7. 05:36Conclusion: Grip Authenticity

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes a Mexican-contract Colt 1902 Military pistol?

Mexican-contract Colt 1902 Military pistols are identified by a specific Mexican eagle crest engraved on the slide, often slightly off-center. They were chambered in .38 ACP and could be factory-ordered with distinctive mother-of-pearl grips, unlike standard models.

How can I verify the authenticity of a Colt 1902 Military pistol?

Authenticity checks involve examining the slide for the correct Mexican eagle crest and caliber markings ('38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS'). Verify the serial number against known shipment dates (1908-1911) and confirm features like mother-of-pearl grips were factory options for this contract.

Is the .38 ACP caliber the same as .38 Super?

No, .38 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) and .38 Super are distinct cartridges. The .38 ACP was used in earlier Colt models like the 1900 and 1902, while .38 Super is a later, more powerful round introduced with the Colt 1911 platform. They are not interchangeable.

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