Colt Model 1908 Type IV Pocket Hammerless .380 ACP SA Semi-Auto Pistol, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1300
LSB#: 211002NI13
Make: Colt
Model: Model 1908 Type IV Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 103478
Year of Manufacture: 1929 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .380 A.C.P. (9mm Kurz)
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. / PATENTED APR.20, 1897. DEC.22. 1903”, and at the rear with a Rampant Colt logo. The bottom of the slide is marked “103478”. The left side of the frame is marked “103478”. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE .380 HAMMERLESS”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and “1”. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “91”.
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 round-top square notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with nickel plated Rampant Colt medallions at the tops of the grips. The checkering on the right panel has some smooth rubs near the bottom. The left side checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in about Good-Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright with well defined rifling. There is some scattered faint erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at the leading edges. There is some light oxidation on the front and back strap. There is also faint oxidation at the rear and back of the slide. There are little nicks and faint scratches throughout. The trigger has light operational wear. The grip screw is sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the slide has hardly perceptible play to the frame. It has a grip safety, a manual safety and a magazine disconnect but does not have the barrel bushing of the Type II (Standard Type IV configuration). The safety can be used to lock the slide back. 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 one blued seven round magazine, paperwork including a manual, and a factory box. The top fifth of the magazine is “In The White” and the floorplate is marked “CAL. 380 / COLT”. The box is cardboard with a dark brown finish. The label on the end panel is marked with the make and caliber of this pistol.
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless is a semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning, and was the 2nd of the Colt concealed hammer models, following the Model 1903. 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 Colt 1908 Type IV Pocket Hammerless semi-auto made in 1929. It is in about Very Good overall condition with 85% of its original blue finish remaining. The bore is decent. As an added plus for the collector, it comes with a factory box. This model is highly collected and should be of interest to the Colt collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!