Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket 2? Blued .25 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1936 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1235
LSB#: 220124LV002
Make: Colt
Model: 1908 Vest Pocket
Serial Number: 402786
Year of Manufacture: 1936 (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, CT. U S A. / PAT’D AUG.25,1896. APR.20,1897. DEC.22,1903. JAN.25,1910. JULY 31. 1917” and behind the slide serrations with a rampant colt logo. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 25”. The left side of the frame is marked “402786”, found again on the bottom of the slide. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and “P”, the right-front is marked “55”.
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. The groove has fine serrations for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with silver-colored Colt medallions at their tops. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few scattered light marks. There is some verdigris at the grip screw escutcheons. The checkering is well defined, generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color Controls
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some scattered minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered light nicks and scratches, most notable in the frontstrap. The action shows faint operational wear. The case color on the right of the trigger looks like some light oxidation was scrubbed out, otherwise the case color is still quite strong and bright. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the slide has very little play to the frame. This pistol has a slide locking safety, a grip safety and the magazine disconnect added to this model after 1917. 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 in a black cardboard one-piece hinge-lid box with the serial hand-written on the bottom, model-matching label on one end, manual, cleaning rod, and a single six round magazine. The two-tone magazine’s floorplate is marked “CAL. 25 / COLT”. The magazine has some scattered minor operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring. The box has fraying at edges, tears around the edges of the lid and a puncture on the top of the lid at one edge.
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 is in just about as good condition as we have seen. About 96% of its metal finish remains with some minor wear and vibrant case color in the controls. The bore is decent and the mechanics are strong. It even comes with its original box!. This is a cute little pistol that can be carried just about anywhere, and is perfect for concealed carry or to round out an early Colt semi-automatic collection. Please see our photos and good luck!