Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Type III 32 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol 1920 C&R
SOLD FRO: $1474.97
LSB#: 210917MW44
Make: Colt
Model: 1903, Type III Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 361630
Year of Manufacture: 1920 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .32 ACP (7.65mm Browning)
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “PATENTED / APR.20, 1897. DEC.22, 1903” and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” with a rampant colt logo behind the serrations. The left side of the frame is marked “361630”, the bottom of the slide is marked “361 / 630”. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and “R”, the right is marked “34”.
Barrel Length: 3 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a “U” notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered black hard rubber with “COLT” in a banner near the tops and a Rampant Colt logo in the bottom half of the grips. The grips have light handling wear with a few scattered light nicks and scuffs. The checkering and lettering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is defined. There is scattered erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are hardly any marks on the gun. The grip screw shows faint marks and the pins are clean. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the slide is tight to the frame having barely perceptible play. It has a grip safety and a manual safety but does not have a magazine disconnect safety (correct for this period of production). The safety can be used to lock the slide back. We did not fire this handgun. As with all firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in an original wood case with a cleaning rod, brush, 28 rounds of .32 auto, one magazine, and an oil can.
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 Colt 1903 Type III Pocket Hammerless semi-auto made in 1920. This pistol is in about Excellent condition with 99% of its blued finish remaining. The pistol comes in a vintage case with cleaning tools and 28 rounds of .32 auto. This will be highly sought after by collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!