Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless .380 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1935 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1259.56

LSB#: 220516DK013

Make: Colt

Model: 1908 Type IV Pocket Hammerless

Serial Number: 116558

Year of Manufacture: 1935 (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.”. The left side of the frame is marked “116558”, the bottom of the slide is marked “116558”. 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 “3”, the right of the trigger guard is marked “35”.

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 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, though there are some irregularities which lead us to believe that it has been re-cut. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, mostly at corners and leading edges. There are a few scattered minor nicks and scratches, most notable at the right-front and left-rear of the slide. There is a deep, long scratch on the right of the frame just below the slide, under the finish. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this handgun rates in Very Good condition as refinished.

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 magazine. The .380 magazine is nickel finished with minor operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring.

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 1935, during the interwar years. It is in Very Good condition as refinished with about 55% of its new blued finish remaining. The most notable defect is a long, deep scratch on the right of the frame under the finish, but otherwise, the gun looks great for its age. 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, but should also make for a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!

Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless .380 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1935 C&R
Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless .380 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1935 C&R