Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Type III 32 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1126
LSB#: 220201TD001
Make: Colt
Model: 1903, Type III Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 277328
Year of Manufacture: 1918 (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 “277328”. 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 the right is marked “R”. The firing pin housing is marked “328” and “3” twice.
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 aftermarket mother of pearl panels. There is a chip on the bottom rear coroner of the right panel. There is also stubborn residue on the top of the right panel. Both panels show scattered little nicks and scratches. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in Good condition and would rate higher if not for the chipe on the right panel.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly dim and the rifling is well defined. There is scattered erosion and light pitting throughout.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. There is thinning on all leading edges. There are several nicks, dings, and scratches throughout. The top of the slide shows a notable mar right next to the ejection port. There are sparse freckles of erosion throughout the metal and more notable erosion on the back strap. The action has operational wear. There is pitting on the safety. The screw head is tool-marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the slide is tight to the frame with little play. It has a grip safety and a manual safety but does not have a magazine disconnect safety. 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 with one 8-round magazine.
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 1919. This pistol is in about Very Good condition with 80% of its blued refinish remaining. The pistol retains strong mechanics and a shootable bore. Please see our photos and good luck!