Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless Type IV .32 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1928 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1001
LSB#: 210801GC02
Make: Colt
Model: Type IV 1903 Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 482637
Year of Manufacture: 1928
Caliber: .32 ACP (7.65mm)
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S PT. FA. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. / PATENTED APR. 20, 1897 DEC. 22, 1903? and with a circled rampant colt behind the serrations. The right of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS”. The left of the frame is marked “482637”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “1” and “VP” in a triangle. The right of the trigger guard is marked “91”. The right-front of the slide has an arrow pointing to an indexing line for disassembly. The underside flat of the slide is marked with the serial number, “482637”.
Barrel Length: 3 3/4”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade fixed to the top of the slide. The rear sight is a rounded “U” notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are checkered wood Type IV panels with Rampant Colt medallions. There are several spots on both panels where the checkering is worn down or lightly compressed. Most remaining checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Most surfaces have worn to white. Some areas show treatment with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The slide flats have scattered light nicks and the top has a few areas with minor surface oxidation. There are tool marks at the pin and screw heads. The screw heads are sharp. The pinheads are tool marked, but not peened. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has minor play to the frame. This pistol has a grip safety and a manual safety but does not have a magazine disconnect (this feature was added later in production). We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This pistol comes with one blued 8 round magazine with light-moderate operational wear, some light surface oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Good-Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless is a semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning, and was the 1st of the Colt concealed hammer models, followed by the M1908 in .380 ACP. Despite the title ‘Hammerless’, the M1903 and M1908 pistols do have a hammer, which is covered and hidden from view under the rear of the slide. This allowed the weapon to be carried in and withdrawn from a pocket quickly and smoothly without snagging. These pistols were popular civilian firearms for much of their life, and also served as United States General Officer pistols from the 1940s until their replacement by the M15 General Officers pistol in the 1970s. The Office of Strategic Services issued the Model 1903 to its officers during World War II and it was a popular back-up/off-duty model with police officers in the United States. Gangsters also favored this pistol, including Bonnie Parker and John Dillinger. This is a midstream example of the Colt 1903 Type IV Pocket Hammerless semi-auto made in 1928. This pistol is in Fine condition with little wear to speak of, with a bright bore and strong mechanics. This pistol will add to a collection of early Colt automatics with its early features such as barrel bushing and 3 3/4” barrel. Plainly speaking, this is a gorgeous pistol. Good luck and happy bidding!