Engraved Colt Model 1908 Vest-Pocket Hammerless .25 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1914 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,475.59
LSB#: 191116MT04
Make: Colt
Model: Vest Pocket Model 1908 Hammerless
Serial Number: 103008
Year of Manufacture: 1914 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .25 A.C.P. (6.35mm Browning)
Action Type: Striker-Fired Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, C / PAT’D AUG.25,1896. APR.20,1897. DEC.22,1” with a rampant colt behind the slide serrations. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 25”.”. The left side of the frame is marked “103008”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and the left rear with “5”. The magazine floorplate is marked “CAL. 25 / COLT”. The slide, frame, grip safety and magazine floorplate have extensive floral scroll engraving with punch-dot background. The right grip panel has been carved with “STELLA”.
Barrel Length: 2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tiny blade that sits in the front of the “U” groove that runs the length of the slide. The rear sight is a tiny square notch in the back of the groove.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece mother of pearl panels with Colt medallions and “STELLA” carved on the right panel. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine-Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There are a few spots of minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The finish has a few spots that are a little cloudy and there is light operational wear. There is scattered minor surface erosion under the finish. The outside of the barrel shows some discoloration from oxidation. The screw head is sharp. Factory markings are shallow and incomplete with soft edges, though the serial marking is still fairly clear. The engraving shows good detail. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good-Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the slide has very little play to the frame. This pistol has a slide locking safety and a grip safety but does NOT have the magazine disconnect added after 1917. The magazine latch spring is quite strong and the magazine is a little bit tight in the magazine well. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single six round nickel magazine. The magazine shows scattered surface erosion under the finish, minor operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Our Assessment: The Model 1908 Vest Pocket is a compact, hammerless, striker-fired, semi-automatic single action pistol. Manufactured by the Colt’s Manufacturing Company from 1908 to 1948, it was marketed as a small concealable firearm, which could be easily tucked into a gentleman’s vest pocket for unobtrusive carry. Created by famed firearms designer John Moses Browning, the Model 1908 followed Browning’s earlier European version, the FN Model 1906. This example has been extensively engraved and given a new nickel finish and pearl grips, appearing to have been rescued after developing some surface erosion in the original finish. The bore is quite nice, one of the best we’ve seen on a Vest Pocket and the engraving and new finish sure make “Stella” a real looker. Please see our photos and good luck!