Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless Type IV 380 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol 1932 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1870
LSB#: 210917MW52
Make: Colt
Model: 1908 Type IV Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 111939
Year of Manufacture: 1932 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .380 A.C.P.
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 left side of the frame is marked “34414”. 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 is marked “75”. The bottom of the slide is marked “111939” and “HH”.
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 “U” notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with a forward facing silver Colt medallion on the left panel, rear facing medallion on the right. The grips show light-moderate handling wear. There are some compressed checkers on either side. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is a light interruption in the finish on the back strap. There are some scattered faint marks through the finish. There are sparse areas of very faint oxidation. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine-Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the slide is tight to the frame. It has a grip safety and manual safety. 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 7-round magazine marked “CAL.380 / COLT” on the floorplate.
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 III Pocket Hammerless semi-auto made in 1920, just after the end of WWI. It is in about Fine-Plus condition with about 97% of its blued finish remaining. The bore is great, the grips show only minor handling wear and the mechanics are strong. This model is highly collected and should be of interest to the Colt collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!