Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless .380 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1931 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1675
LSB#: 220506WM018
Make: Colt
Model: 1908 Type IV Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 106961
Year of Manufacture: 1931 (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 “106961”, the bottom of the slide is marked “106961”. 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”.
Barrel Length: 3 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a round blade fixed to the front 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 two-piece checkered walnut with silver-colored Colt medallions. The grips have light-moderate handling wear, most notable in the right panel’s checkering near the bottom. There are a few scattered nicks and scuffs. The checkering is generally well defined, except as noted at the bottom of the right panel. 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 mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There are infrequent spots of minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The most notable finish wear is in the slide and the frontstrap. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the slide has minor play to the frame. It has a grip safety, a magazine disconnect, and a 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 a single 7-round .380 magazine, one 8-round .32 ACP magazine and a .32 ACP barrel. The .380 magazine is two-tone with the top portion in the white, showing light operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring. The .32 ACP barrel and magazine are in Excellent condition.
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 it was a popular backup/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 1931, during the interwar years. It is in Very Good condition with about 85% of its blued finish remaining. The bore is in good shape, the grips show handling wear, and the mechanics are strong. This model is highly collected and should be of interest to the Colt collectors. For the shooters, this example also comes with a replacement magazine and barrel for use with .32 ACP. Please see our photos and good luck!